Chapter 4: Self Presentation

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms from Chapter 4: Self Presentation.

Self-presentation

The process of controlling how others perceive us in social interactions by managing appearances, behavior, and messages.

Impression management

The strategic, conscious effort to shape others’ impressions of us through deliberate presentation.

Front stage

The public region where we perform and display the image we want others to see.

Backstage

Private area where we can drop the social mask and not worry about others' judgments.

Self-awareness

The recognition that we are under observation or evaluation and that our actions are open to judgment.

Self-esteem

Our overall evaluation of our own worth; the degree to which we like or value ourselves.

Self-concept

The organized set of beliefs about ourselves, including traits, abilities, and values.

Identities

The aspects of the self related to social roles and personal traits that people use to understand themselves.

Social identities

Parts of the self tied to memberships in groups (race, religion, nationality, gender, etc.) that influence behavior and belonging.

Identity control theory

The idea that people strive to act in ways that keep their behavior aligned with their self-identity, maintaining consistency.

Identity threat

A perceived or real challenge to one’s social identity that can lead to defensive behavior or impression management.

Ingratiation

The process of trying to gain others' liking and approval through flattery, favors, and agreeable behavior.

Self-schemas

Beliefs and knowledge structures about the self that guide processing of self-relevant information and behavior.

Looking-glass self

The self-image we develop based on our interpretation of how others perceive us.

Ideal self vs actual self (self-discrepancy)

The gap between who we are now and who we would like to be or think we should be, which motivates self-presentation.

Nonverbal cues

The facial expressions, tone of voice, posture, and other nonverbal signals used to manage impressions.

Appearance management

Deliberate control of clothing, grooming, and overall presentation to influence others' impressions.

Group memberships

Elements of the self derived from belonging to social groups or organizations (e.g., race, religion, clubs).

Tactical impression management

Calculated, situation-specific efforts to control the information others receive about us.

Deceptive impression management

Deliberate misrepresentation of the self to deceive others; detection involves recognizing signs of inauthentic or dishonest presentation.