A key aspect of social interactions involves managing the impressions that we form in others (e.g., we want people to think we are nice, smart, competent, etc.). Most often we attempt to form positive impressions; yet, occasionally we must minimize the impact of negative behaviours in the impressions others form of the self.
Our research focuses on a number of questions that are designed to assess how children and adults understand the self-presentational tactics that others use and what tactics they themselves use. Within these areas we focus on how we can explain individual differences in the understanding and use of self-presentation (e.g., does it matter how shy or socially anxious the individual is, how much attention do they pay to the audience expectations, is there a relationship with peer status, etc.).
Current projects:
- Use of self-presentation when describing the self
- Disclosure on-line: Links to impression management
- Links between personality and impression management strategies
Past projects: