Individual Differences in Self-Presentation Styles

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Abstract
Two studies examined individual differences in self-presentation style. In Study 1, American students provided ratings of actual self and presented self on personality traits of varying levels of social desirability. Three major groups were identified: consistents, flexible-impression managers, and rigid-impression managers. Differences in self-evaluations among these groups were found, with consistents rating themselves most favorably. In Study 2, the effect of experimental manipulation on consistency and favorability of self-ratings of subjects with different self-presentation styles was examined. Results demonstrated that individuals' behavior corresponded to their self-reported style. Differential tactics of self-presentation were also evident between individuals with different styles. These tactics involved the tendency either to attribute positive characteristics to the self or to deny negative characteristics.