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🎠social psychology review

Impression Management Theory

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Impression management theory refers to the process through which individuals attempt to influence the perceptions that others have of them. This involves controlling and manipulating various aspects of one's self-presentation in social interactions, often to create a desired image or impression. By strategically presenting themselves, people can navigate social situations, enhance their status, and foster relationships, reflecting a fundamental aspect of social psychology.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Impression management can involve tactics like changing body language, facial expressions, and even verbal communication to influence others' perceptions.
  2. People engage in impression management in various settings, such as job interviews, social gatherings, and online platforms.
  3. The effectiveness of impression management can depend on the context and the individuals involved, as different audiences may react differently.
  4. Individuals may feel pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations during impression management, leading to stress or anxiety.
  5. Impression management is closely linked with self-esteem, as successful management can enhance an individual's self-worth and social acceptance.

Review Questions

  • How does impression management theory explain the behaviors people exhibit in social interactions?
    • Impression management theory suggests that individuals actively shape how others perceive them by controlling their self-presentation. This can involve modifying behaviors, appearance, and communication styles based on the social context. For example, someone might dress more formally for a job interview than for a casual outing to create a favorable impression that aligns with the expectations of the situation.
  • Discuss the implications of impression management for personal relationships and professional settings.
    • In personal relationships, effective impression management can foster deeper connections by allowing individuals to present their best selves. However, if the managed impression is inauthentic, it may lead to trust issues down the line. In professional settings, impression management plays a crucial role during networking and job interviews where candidates need to demonstrate competence and likability. The balance between genuine self-presentation and strategic management is key to forming lasting relationships.
  • Evaluate how cultural differences may affect the strategies used in impression management across different societies.
    • Cultural differences significantly shape the strategies used in impression management. For instance, collectivist cultures may prioritize group harmony and communal identity over individualism, leading individuals to adopt more modest self-presentation strategies. In contrast, individualistic cultures might encourage more assertive self-promotion. Understanding these cultural contexts is essential for effective communication and interaction, as misinterpretations can arise when individuals apply their own cultural norms in diverse settings.