ABSTRACT
The study of self-presentation assumes that people are often concerned about what others think of them and that, at least occasionally, they behave in ways that help them make certain impressions on other people. Self-presentation has at least three primary functions for the individual. It can serve as a means of interpersonal influence, enhance the construction of personal identity and the maintenance of self-esteem, and promote positive emotions. Self-presentation can also reduce negative emotions and promote positive emotions. Because being approved of and accepted by others makes most people feel good, they can bolster their moods by behaving in ways that promote approval and acceptance. And, given that self-presentation is one way to obtain approval, people may impression-manage to improve how they feel. For people to engage in self-presentation, they must monitor, at one level or another, how they are being perceived and evaluated by others.
