SHORT SUMMARY OF SELF PRESENTATION
In this topic we explored the connection between these public
displays and private self-conceptions. We began by considering the
nature of self-presentation—the functions it serves and the manner
in which people go about trying to create an impression of
themselves in the minds of other people. We also noted that people
differ in regard to how actively they monitor and regulate their
public behaviour. We then looked more closely at the kinds of
impressions people typically try to convey. Here we noted that, in
order to be successful, self-presentations must be believed. We then
discussed various tactics individuals use when their self-
presentational attempts go awry. In the third part of the chapter, we
examined the association between public behaviour and the way
people privately think about themselves.
For a variety of reasons, people often come to view themselves in
ways that are consistent with the persona they publicly display.
Finally, we explored the extent to which behaviour in social
situations can be accounted for in self-presentational terms, paying
particular attention to selfenhancement biases and the extent to
which people are genuine or insincere in their public behaviour.
We noted that people’s positive self-presentations are generally
believed, and that outright dissimulation and deceit are the
exceptions rather than the rule in people’s day-to-day lives.
Self-presentation is any behaviour that is intended to create,
modify, or maintain an impression of ourselves in the minds of other
people.
Self-presentation serves three important functions: (1) it helps
facilitate social interaction; (2)it enables individuals to attain material
In this topic we explored the connection between these public
displays and private self-conceptions. We began by considering the
nature of self-presentation—the functions it serves and the manner
in which people go about trying to create an impression of
themselves in the minds of other people. We also noted that people
differ in regard to how actively they monitor and regulate their
public behaviour. We then looked more closely at the kinds of
impressions people typically try to convey. Here we noted that, in
order to be successful, self-presentations must be believed. We then
discussed various tactics individuals use when their self-
presentational attempts go awry. In the third part of the chapter, we
examined the association between public behaviour and the way
people privately think about themselves.
For a variety of reasons, people often come to view themselves in
ways that are consistent with the persona they publicly display.
Finally, we explored the extent to which behaviour in social
situations can be accounted for in self-presentational terms, paying
particular attention to selfenhancement biases and the extent to
which people are genuine or insincere in their public behaviour.
We noted that people’s positive self-presentations are generally
believed, and that outright dissimulation and deceit are the
exceptions rather than the rule in people’s day-to-day lives.
Self-presentation is any behaviour that is intended to create,
modify, or maintain an impression of ourselves in the minds of other
people.
Self-presentation serves three important functions: (1) it helps
facilitate social interaction; (2)it enables individuals to attain material