Managing Impressions

Impression management refers to individuals' conscious effort to control how others perceive them, often by adjusting the information they present in specific situations.

Individuals may engage in impression management for various reasons, such as using ingratiation to be liked, intimidation to instill fear, self-promotion to gain respect for their abilities, exemplification to appear morally upright, and supplication to evoke sympathy.

Additionally, managing emotional expression supports self-presentation, as certain emotions are considered appropriate or inappropriate depending on the social context.

For instance, flight attendants must stay polite when insulted, while field hockey players may respond aggressively to provocation.

Failing to manage emotions, such as snapping at a rude passenger, can cause a flight attendant to leave a negative impression.

Similarly, after events like a job loss or divorce, individuals may experience intense emotions, including aggression directed at others.

Alternatively, individuals may turn to therapists, counselors, or support groups for help.