In the text we discussed how people assess their own performance relative to others in their social world. We have also discussed how people view themselves relative to others. Finally, we have explored how our cognitive biases can help maintain our positive thoughts about ourselves.

Let us now take a few moments and consider specifically the three self-presentation biases we discussed in the text: false modesty, self-handicapping, and impression management. Can you think about examples of these from your own life? Try to understand why you engaged in that type of impression management. Are you aware of your behaviour when you do it, or is it was automatic?

The text’s discussion of impression management can be readily extended using Edward E. Jones’s taxonomy of self-presentational strategies. Jones argued that the motive underlying impression management is the desire to maintain or augment social power. Does this apply to you? The major strategies include ingratiation, intimidation, self-promotion, exemplification, and supplication.

Through ingratiation, people try to elicit the affection of others by conforming to others’ opinions, by doing favours, or by praising others’ achievements.

Through intimidation, people try to elicit fear in others by projecting both the capacity and inclination to deliver negative outcomes. Typically, this strategy is used in relationships that are non-voluntary rather than in freely formed relationships among peers.

Through self-promotion, people try to elicit the respect of others by highlighting their prior successes and excusing previous failures.

Through exemplification, people try to elicit guilt in others by creating the impression of moral superiority. They may do this by deliberately seeking out ways to make their own self-sacrifice and self-denial public.

Through supplication, people try to elicit the nurturance of others through self-deprecation and entreaties for help. This is the last resort and is typically used by low-power persons who have little else going for them.

Now consider why, and how, you do impression management. What are you trying for?