Self‐Presentation Theory/Impression Management

Although the terms are often used interchangeably, impression management and self-presentation are distinct and important concepts in everyday life. Impression management refers to any impression to a person or group desires to convey to another person or group of people. Subsumed within impression management, self-presentation refers to acts aimed at presenting oneself (and not others) in a certain manner. Several tactics and strategies exist to convey certain impressions, and research has explored which of these is most effective in different situations. In addition, many have explored the concerns that come with people managing their impressions both in face-to-face interactions as well as when completing self-report measures either for research or testing purposes. In all, these concepts help us to understand who we are and why often act the way that we do.