What is impression management in social psychology?

Impression management refers to the active process individuals engage in to influence the perceptions others form about them. This involves a range of strategies and behaviors aimed at presenting oneself in a specific light to create a favorable image. In social psychology, it's understood that people often modify their behavior, appearance, or how they communicate based on the audience and context to achieve desired outcomes, whether that’s to be liked, respected, or to fulfill social roles effectively.

This concept encompasses various tactics, such as self-promotion, ingratiation, or even downplaying certain aspects of oneself. By carefully managing the impressions they make, individuals can navigate social interactions more effectively and enhance their social standing or interpersonal relationships.

Other options do touch on important social psychology concepts, such as emotional regulation and conforming to societal norms, but they do not capture the essential aim of impression management, which is explicitly about influencing how others view oneself. Reflecting one's true identity in all interactions diverges from the goal of impression management, which often involves a degree of performance or adaptation rather than unfiltered authenticity.