PSY 530 Impression Management

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School

Southern New Hampshire University *

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530

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Psychology

Date

Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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1 Impression Management Alexis Berry Southern New Hampshire University Dr. Jay Greiner July 24, 2023

2 Implicit Personality Theory Implicit personality theory refers to an individual’s notions regarding which personality characteristics co-occur in other individuals (Baumeister & Vohs, 2007). An individual will infer that a personality trait will co-occur with other personality traits or behaviors. For example, a charismatic individual could be inferred as honest because the individual has a friendly or welcoming personality. Implicit personality theory shows implications for the halo effect and levels of attractiveness. The halo effect occurs when an individual is assumed to have multiple positive personality traits after showing a few positive personality traits (Baumeister & Vohs, 2007). Essentially, implicit personality theory applies to the halo effect because individuals may inference regarding potential co-occurring personality traits based on the traits the individual displays. Implicit personality theory also applies to levels of attractiveness because if an individual is perceived as physically attractive, another individual may assume the attractive individual possesses positive personality traits (Baumeister & Vohs, 2007). Due to implicit personality theory, individuals infer personality characteristics of others based on co-occurring traits, physical attractiveness, or assuming that multiple positive traits co-occur with one positive trait. Utilizing Impression Management Impression management refers to the activity of controlling information to alter the opinion of others to serve personal or social goals (Baumeister & Vohs, 2007). Impression management occurs when an individual alters characteristics or behaviors to positively benefit how others perceive the individual (Baumeister & Vohs, 2007). With implicit personality theory an individual will infer which personality characteristics would co-occur that should be displayed in attempts to benefit personal or social goals. For example, when in the workplace, an individual

3 may infer that co-occurring personality traits that are present within a good worker are timeliness, politeness, intelligence, and timidness. If the individual wants to be perceived by co- workers or their supervisor as a good worker, the individual would then utilize impression management to alter which personality traits are displayed while at work. The individual would become timelier, and polite to others, display their intelligence, and have a timid attitude to appease the personal and social good of being perceived as a good worker. The individual may have opposing personality traits outside of the workplace such as being impolite or very loud; however, impression management and the inferences of desired personality traits alter the individual’s shown traits at work. Making an Impression as a Celebrity Impression management is utilized by celebrities as non-celebrities do, and that is to manage their personal and social image to the public. However, celebrities have more pressure to achieve a particular image that is most suitable for their career to appease the millions of fans, management team, and any record or producing company that hires the celebrity. Chester Bennington was known as an influential rock artist with impressive vocal and guitar skills (Baruah, 2023). Alongside his talents, Chester wore darker clothing, had many tattoos and piercings, and maintained a tough personality to fit the persona of a rock star (Baruah, 2023). However, behind the impression management, Chester suffered from depression, substance abuse, and suicidal ideologies, which led to his death. Though many of Chester’s lyrics vocalized negative thought patterns, Chester was thought to be more relatable and “raw,” which fit a rock star's tough and honest personality. Chester’s impression management allowed for the nation to be unaware of his mental health struggles and altered how the general public viewed the celebrity’s personality.

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