Lecture on Self-Concept and Impression Management

Self-Concept and Self-Presentation

• Self-Concept: Relates to how we see ourselves and how we want others to perceive us.
• Self-Presentation: Involves managing how we appear to others through:
  • Clothes
  • Artifacts (e.g., bags)
  • Physical appearance (e.g., hair, glasses)
• We present ourselves in a way that aligns with our authentic selves.

Persona vs. Facade

• Persona: The image we present based on who we believe ourselves to be.
• Facade: A false appearance or different "hat" we wear in certain situations.
  • Example: Altering behavior at work where certain actions (e.g., swearing) are inappropriate.
  • Facades help us meet social and cultural expectations.

Impression Management

• Behavioral Flexibility: Adapting behavior to fit different contexts while maintaining authenticity.
• Impression management involves several techniques:
  1. Self-Description: Using adjectives and descriptive language to portray oneself.
  2. Accounts: Providing explanations of actions to clarify misunderstandings.
  3. Apologies: Effective apologies include:
     • "I'm sorry."
     • Assurance not to repeat the action.
     • Offering to make amends.
• Non-Apologies: Phrases that undermine genuine apologies (e.g., "I'm sorry you feel that way").
  • "But" statements negate prior apologies.
  • Gunny Sacking: Bringing up old grievances after claiming to have moved past them.

Additional Techniques

• Entitlements and Enhancements: Highlighting one's achievements to appear in a favorable light.
• Flattery: Validating others through compliments can enhance relationships.
  • Acknowledging simple changes (e.g., new haircut) provides validation.
• Favors: Performing kind acts to gain approval, which also provides personal satisfaction.