Self-presentation Styles Research Articles

I “love” my country? The relationship between national narcissism and national knowledge overclaiming

BackgroundDoes demonstrating attachment to one’s nation necessarily imply that the individual is interested in the history of that nation and has a considerable knowledge about its origins? In the present paper, we examine how two forms of national identity (i.e., national narcissism vs. secure national identification) relate to individuals’ self-declared interest in their na-tion’s history. Additionally, we investigate whether this relationship can account for their tendency to overstate their knowledge.Participants and procedureIn two studies (Ntotal = 2137) conducted on a representative samples of adult Poles, we assessed two types of national identi-ty: self-declared interest in the nation’s history and objectively measured knowledge about the nation and its history through an overclaiming task.ResultsWe found that those who narcissistically identified with their nation overclaimed their historical knowledge. Specifically, they claimed familiarity with non-existing historical events and were unable to claim familiarity with existing ones. We also found that the relationship between national narcissism and declared interest in one’s nation’s history was effectively re-duced to zero after partialing out the shared variance to overclaiming historical knowledge.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that national narcissism might be a superficial self-presentation style, which is primarily focused on oneself, not on the nation. Those who narcissistically identify themselves with their nation only proclaim their interest, but have lower objective knowledge.

Let’s entertain others: the relationship between comic styles and the histrionic self-presentation style in Polish, British, and Canadian samples

Abstract People who have the histrionic self-presentation style (HSP) demonstrate certain As-If-behaviors, involving pretense and role play, in their daily interactions to seek attention and amuse others. Doing As-If may be closely related to humor behaviors, so we examined this relationship in greater detail by using the Comic Style Markers (CSM) in Polish, English, and Canadian samples (N = 285, 383, and 305, respectively; M age = 20.85, SD = 5.35). We expected that the HSP might be related to fun, wit, and satire due to their pretense-based characteristics. We confirmed configurational, metric, and scalar invariance for the As-If-Scale (AIS) and the CSM in the three samples, which allowed for cross-cultural comparisons. As expected, the HSP was positively associated with fun, wit, and satire. Additionally, men scored higher on the AIS, but no cross-country differences were found.

Partisan styles of self-presentation in U.S. Twitter bios

Political polarization in the United States goes beyond divided opinions on key political issues, extending to realms of culture, lifestyle, and social identity once thought to be apolitical. Using a sample of 1 million Twitter bios, this study investigates how users’ partisan self-presentation on social media tends to include cultural as well as political markers. Representing the text in Twitter bios as semantic networks, the study reveals clear partisan differences in how users describe themselves, even on topics that seem apolitical. Consequently, active Twitter users’ political alignments can be statistically inferred from the non-political references in their bios, even in the absence of explicitly partisan language. These findings offer further evidence of partisan polarization that is aligned with lifestyle preferences. Further research is needed to determine if users are aware of that alignment, which might indicate the politicization of lifestyle preferences. The findings also suggest an under-recognized way social media can promote polarization, not through political discourse or argument, but simply in how users present cultural and lifestyle preferences on those platforms.

Changing to Impress: Testing a Mediation Model from Instagram Self-presentation to Cosmetic Surgery

BackgroundThis study examined the relationship between false self-presentation on Instagram and consideration of cosmetic surgery through the mediating role of body image control in photos (BICP), photo manipulation, and body shame. We predicted that false self-presentation on Instagram was indirectly associated with cosmetic surgery intentions through the aforementioned constructs.MethodsA total of 504 young Italian adults (28.2% males, 18–30 years) completed an online survey. They completed a questionnaire containing the Self-presentation on Instagram Questionnaire, the Body Image Control in Photos Questionnaire—revised, the Photo Manipulation Scale, the Objectified Body Consciousness Scale, and the Acceptance of Cosmetic Surgery Scale. The pattern of associations between the constructs was analyzed via path analysis.ResultsThe results show that false self-presentation on Instagram was associated with photo manipulation, both directly and indirectly, through BICP. Furthermore, photo manipulation was linked to body shame, but neither of them was associated with cosmetic surgery intentions. Finally, false self-presentation on Instagram was associated with the consideration of cosmetic surgery only through the mediation of BICP.ConclusionFindings indicate that self-presentation styles might affect Instagram photo behaviors and individuals’ cosmetic surgery intentions, suggesting that surgeons should fully examine patients’ motivations before providing them with services. Furthermore, intervention programs encouraging users to present a more authentic version of themselves online might reduce the risk of self-objectification and reduce the consideration of procedures aimed at modifying one's body for purely aesthetic reasons.Level of Evidence VThis journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.

Body shame and problematic social networking sites use: the mediating effect of perfectionistic self-presentation style and body image control in photos

Previous studies have shown that body shame and body image control in photos are associated with Problematic Social Networking Sites Use. The current study aims to build upon previous evidence by examining the role of perfectionistic self-presentation in the relationship between body shame, on the one hand, and body image control in photos and Problematic Social Networking Sites Use, on the other hand. The sample included 695 participants (%F = 61.29; Mage = 21.01 ± 5.05; age range = 14–30). The hypothesized serial mediation effect of perfectionistic self-presentation style and body image control in photos in the association between body shame and Problematic Social Networking Sites Use was significant (indirect effect = 0.05; 95% CI: [0.02, 0.07] for young women; indirect effect = 0.02; 95% CI: [0.002, 0.04] for young men). The present study contributes toward the understanding of the possible predictors of Problematic Social Networking Sites Use and leads novel findings in the field of self-objectification research. Regardless of gender, young people who feel ashamed of their body may develop a perfectionistic self-presentation (by promoting a perfect image and hiding imperfections) as compensatory strategy. However, the gratification of the need for self-presentation through body image control in Social Networks photos activities could in turn lead to Problematic Social Networking Sites Use.

Politics through machine eyes: What computer vision allows us to see

Computer vision techniques have recently burst onto the scene in visual political communication research, dramatically extending the scope of digital image and video analysis. Over the last five years, in particular, papers featuring computational methods have grown in frequency and breadth, appearing in a variety of journals across different disciplines, ranging from the digital humanities and social semiotics to political communication and data science. Topics have been equally expansive and include large scale examinations of political protest, candidate self-presentation style and partisan symbolism, affective polarization, gender stereotypes, debate performances and voter impression formation, public policy, electoral fraud, and topics outside of conventional politics such as extremist propaganda. In this article, each of these areas of investigation are briefly reviewed for the insights they are revealing about political visuals as well as the tools and techniques employed. Ethical considerations are also explored to highlight some of the tradeoffs inherent in research involving computational analysis of political visuals.

A joke for you, a status-boost for men: Men's tendency to tell affiliative jokes is related to their self-promotion style

A sense of humor is a desirable characteristic in both romantic and platonic relationships, and people communicate their sense of humor by telling jokes. However, there are sex differences in joking, so men tell jokes more often than women. Men’s benefits from joking correspond with such fundamental social motives, as mate seeking and mate retention, affiliation, and self-protection. However, less is known about the relation between tendency to tell jokes and more general styles of self-presentation, that is, tactical ways of behaving that can be used in many social interactions. In our study (N = 139 Polish men aged 18 to 60 [M = 29.94, SD = 11.66]), we wanted to examine the relationships between self-presentation styles (e.g., self-promotion and self-depreciation), humor styles (e.g., affiliative, self-enhancing, aggressive, and self-defeating), and tendency to tell jokes in adult men. We found that men focused on self-promotion produced humor more often and their humor styles contained more affiliative and self-enhancement aspects. Moreover, men's use of affiliative humor completely mediated the relationship between their self-promotion and their tendency to joke. We also found that men oriented on self-depreciation use more self-defeating humor, but their self-defeating motivation does not correlate with their tendency to joke. Our results suggest that men may tell jokes, especially those involving affiliative humor, to tactically achieve their self-promotion goals.

I feel so embarrassed, still, I want it! The self-presentational dilemma of counterfeit luxury buyers

PurposeThis study aims to examine whether counterfeit luxury buyers’ tendency to impress others overrides their anticipation of embarrassment or whether the anticipation of embarrassment delimits their self-presentational goals.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is based on three studies – a survey and two experiments that test the predictions. This study adopts a mix of moderation and mediation analyses to test the proposed hypotheses.FindingsThe findings reveal a greater counterfeit purchase likelihood and embarrassment aversion among publicly (vs privately) self-conscious consumers. Furthermore, a higher (vs a lower) audience class and a conspicuous (vs an inconspicuous) brand lead to lower counterfeit purchase intention, and anticipated embarrassment mediates both these effects. To mitigate the threat of embarrassment, publicly self-conscious consumers are more likely to buy counterfeits among a higher-class audience when the brand is inconspicuous (vs conspicuous). They, however, are indifferent to brand conspicuousness among a lower-class audience.Practical implicationsTo deter counterfeit consumption, anti-counterfeiting campaigns must invoke consumers’ tendency to overestimate the degree of public attention. Ad appeals must accentuate the anticipation of embarrassment by enhancing self-consciousness through a higher-class audience involving a conspicuous brand.Originality/valueThis paper makes a novel contribution to counterfeiting literature by demonstrating that counterfeit luxury consumption is driven by countervailing motives of gaining approval and avoiding disapproval. The paper departs from mainstream theorizing by demonstrating that counterfeit luxury buyers engage in a protective self-presentation style by choosing inconspicuous counterfeits.

Sarcasm use in Turkish: The roles of personality, age, gender, and self-esteem.

This study examined how self-reported sarcasm use is related to individual differences in non-Western adults. A sample of 329 Turkish speakers of high socioeconomic status completed an online survey including measures of self-reported sarcasm use, personality traits, positive and negative affect, self-presentation styles, self-esteem, as well as age and gender. Participants who reported being more likely to use sarcasm in social situations had scores indicating that they were less agreeable, less conscientious, and less emotional stable (i.e., more neurotic). Also, those who reported using sarcasm more often tended to be younger and had lower self-esteem. Self-reported sarcasm use was also positively related to both the self-promoting and the self-depreciating presentation styles. In addition to highlighting the complex relationship between individual differences and language production, these findings underscore the importance of expanding sarcasm research to include non-Western samples.

Psychological Profile, Emotion Regulation, and Aggression in Police Applicants: A Swiss Cross-Sectional Study

Although police officers are recurrently exposed to traumatic situations during their duties, only a minority report notable emotional complaints. This can be explained either by strong emotional coping skills or by a repressive self-presentation style. The current study describes the emotional profile and personality dispositions of police candidates (i.e., prior to exposure to occupational trauma) and explores the possible association between these personal characteristics and predisposition to aggression. In a cross-section design, 149 Swiss police applicants were compared to 110 individuals of the community matched by age, gender and level of education. Validated scales were used to obtain self-report markers of emotions and attitudes (anxiety, happiness/depression, aggressive attitudes) and personal dispositions (sensitivity to reinforcement, impulsivity, social desirability). Compared to civilian individuals, police candidates self-reported being happier, less anxious, less aggressive, and less impulsive. They declared being less sensitive to reinforcement, whether punishment or reward, but showed a higher degree of social desirability. Their aggressive tendencies were influenced by anxiety, urgency, and sensitivity to reward. The findings will be discussed within the framework of a diathesis-stress model of emotion regulation. It suggests that the repressive coping style described in police candidates may be a protective factor against negative and overwhelming emotions in the short term, but a risk factor for emotional imbalance in the long term, particularly if exposed to recurrent adverse events.

Self-presentation and emotional contagion on Facebook: new experimental measures of profiles' emotional coherence

Social Networks allow users to self-present by sharing personal content, and emotions expressed in a post affect the subsequent posts, eliciting a congruent emotion. The main goals of this research were to investigate the emotional coherence between wall posts and their comments on SNSs and to evaluate the association between the profiles' General Emotional Coherence and self-presentation styles from a sample of adolescent's Facebook profiles (n = 50; Mage = 16.95; 50% female). Two new experimental metrics were developed, describing the emotional load (positive and negative) of posts and comments, and the mood correspondence between them. The combination of these measures was used to define the profiles' "General Emotional Coherence". Results confirm how publishing an emotional post corresponds to receiving comments with a coherent mood. The more "emotionally coherent" profiles are characterized by a typical self-presentation style (more posts, more comments and likes).

Arab Athletes’ Gender Displays as a Form of Self-Presentation on Instagram during Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics

Drawing on Goffman’s (1959, 1979) influential work on self-presentation and gender displays, this study was designed to analyze the differences between Arab athletes’ self-presentation on social media based on gender. It used content analysis to examine the self-presentation styles of Arab athletes of both genders by analyzing photographs and captions on Instagram. Surprisingly, this study did not find a difference between Arab male and female athletes regarding gender displays. The vast majority of the pictures of both genders did not suggest sexual activity. This study extends the literature by analyzing Arab athletes’ self-presentation across gender, comparing males’ and females’ self-Presentation on Instagram during Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics. Contrary to previous research that noted that female athletes emphasize sexuality on Instagram, we argue that Arab female athletes used Instagram to create a contemporary image of sporting femininity image as enabled, empowered, and strongly individualized. As women’s representation in sports media coverage seems to remain at a disadvantage compared with men’s, social media can be exploited as an effective tool for Arab female athletes to redress this shortage of coverage and challenge the normative gender and sexual identities in sports.

The dark triad and online self-presentation styles and beliefs

Specific affordances of online spaces allow people to experiment with their self-presentation. Whereas some use these affordances for self-discovery, others may use them to behave malevolently. This study examined the Dark Triad – Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism – in relation to self-presentation style and beliefs about the benefits of self-presenting in online environments. A sample of 322 adult participants completed a cross-sectional survey assessing both Dark Triad traits and online self-presentation styles and beliefs. Both Machiavellianism and psychopathy were associated with adaptable and inauthentic self-presentation. Machiavellianism was additionally associated with beliefs that online environments allow for freedom in self-presentation. Finally, those high in narcissism presented an authentic self-online and believed that online environments are not beneficial to self-presentation. We conclude that the affordances of the online world appeal to individuals differently, depending on their dispositional tendencies.

Impact of Shyness on Self-Esteem: The Mediating Effect of Self-Presentation.

Background: Although the relationship between shyness and self-esteem is well described in the psychological literature, far less is known about the potential mechanisms that underlie this association. The main goal of the current work is to verify whether self-presentation acts as a mediating variable between both constructs. Methods: The study was carried out among 198 adults. The Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Self-Presentation Style Questionnaire were applied. Results: A large and positive correlation coefficient was observed between the following variables: (1) self-esteem/self-promotion; (2) shyness/self-deprecation. All other variables correlated negatively: (1) shyness/self-esteem; (2) shyness/self-promotion; (3) self-esteem/self-deprecation; (4) self-promotion/self-deprecation. Moreover, both self-promotion and self-deprecation acted as mediators between life satisfaction and self-esteem. Conclusion: The outcomes of the present study show a new mediating aspect for the direct relationship between shyness and self-esteem in the form of two styles of self-presentation. The results indicate that the tendency of shy people to avoid others can have a lower effect on their overall sense of self-esteem when they try to present themselves in a clearly favorable light. By contrast, shyness may have a stronger impact on their sense of self-worth when they present themselves as helpless, unsure, and incompetent.

The meanings of Blackness: Belonging and exclusion among African immigrant parents and students in US schools

This article explores how particular understandings of Blackness among African immigrant students and parents shape their experiences of exclusion and belonging within the American educational landscape. Based on ethnographic interviews drawn from a larger mixed-methods study of African immigrant students and parents in a mid-Atlantic community, the article discusses the meanings these immigrants give to race, and the ways in which being an African Black was associated with experiences of exclusion in US society. Interviews also revealed a significant resistance to identification as African American ‘Black’, as African American Blackness was associated with styles of self-presentation and behaviour that do not conform to immigrant ideologies surrounding a good education. Lastly, African immigrants express a powerful belief in American opportunity that fuels aspirations for economic success. This analysis suggests avenues for exploring how Blackness, immigrant status and transnational identifications matter for theorizing intersections of race and belonging in diasporic populations.

Influence of Life Satisfaction on Self-Esteem Among Young Adults: The Mediating Role of Self-Presentation.

BackgroundA comprehensive literature review suggests that self-esteem seems to be contingent on being satisfied in various domains of life. Although there are multiple studies that have addressed the direct relationship between both variables, there is still little known about the psychological mechanisms that underlie this association. Since self-presentation is an important process in young adulthood, the main goal of the present study was to consider self-promotion and self-deprecation as potential mediators between life satisfaction and self-esteem.Participants, Methods and Data CollectionThe study included 328 young adults aged between 18 and 35. Most of them were women (74.1%). The data were collected in Poland through an anonymous self-administered battery of questionnaires on the Internet platform. The participants completed the Satisfaction with Life Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and the Self-Presentation Style Questionnaire.ResultsA high and positive correlation coefficient was obtained between self-esteem and life satisfaction (r = 0.73; p < 0.001). The level of self-esteem correlated positively with the style of self-promotion (r = 0.46; p < 0.001) and negatively with the style of self-deprecation (r = −0.63; p < 0.001). Similarly, life satisfaction was positively associated with self-promotion (r = 0.37; p < 0.001) and negatively with self-depreciation (r = −0.42; p < 0.001). Moreover, both self-promotion (β = 0.67; p < 0.001) and self-deprecation (β = 0.58; p < 0.001) acted as mediators between life satisfaction and self-esteem.ConclusionThe present study increases our knowledge about the mediatory role of self-promotion and self-deprecation. An overall sense of satisfaction with one’s own life can lead to higher self-esteem when young people are aware of their strengths and talents. Likewise, lower life satisfaction can elicit less positive self-esteem when people tend to undervalue their capabilities.

Examining the Link Between Multidimensional Perfectionism and Depression: A Longitudinal Study of the Intervening Effects of Social Disconnection

Introduction: The Perfectionism Social Disconnection Model (PSDM) posits that perfectionism confers risk for depression by promoting social disconnection. However, the specific indirect effect of social disconnection on the prospective relation of perfectionism dimensions with depression severity is not well understood. The aim of the current study was to provide the first comprehensive examination of the PSDM. Methods: A diverse community sample of 447 completed measures of trait perfectionism, perfectionistic self-presentation styles, and depressive symptoms at baseline. Six months later, participants completed measures of perfectionistic self-presentation styles, social disconnection, and depressive symptoms. Indirect effects models were analyzed to examine the impact of each facet of perfectionism on social disconnection and subsequent depression severity. Results: Consistent with the PSDM, all perfectionism traits and self-presentation styles resulted in greater depression severity via one or more facets of social disconnection, with social hopelessness and loneliness demonstrating the most widespread effects. Furthermore, perfectionistic self-presentation styles and social disconnection demonstrated sequential indirect effects on the relation of self-oriented and socially prescribed perfectionism with depressive symptoms at follow-up. Discussion: This study is the first to demonstrate the depressogenic effects of all perfectionism dimensions. Findings delineate the interpersonal mechanisms underlying the perfectionism-depression link.

Supplemental Material for Reactions to Depression Disclosure on Facebook: Evaluating the Effects of Self-Presentation Style and Peer Comments

Supplemental Material for Reactions to Depression Disclosure on Facebook: Evaluating the Effects of Self-Presentation Style and Peer Comments

Reactions to depression disclosure on Facebook: Evaluating the effects of self-presentation style and peer comments.

Reactions to depression disclosure on Facebook: Evaluating the effects of self-presentation style and peer comments.

Assessment of the histrionic self-presentation style: initial validation of the Polish version of the As-If-Scale.

The main research objective was to translate and evaluate the Polish version of the As-If-Scale (AIS) as well as to test the measurement invariance of the Polish and the original (German) versions of the tool, and to analyze the differences in histrionic self-presentation style among Poles and Germans. The AIS consists of 8 items for the subjective assessment of the histrionic self-presentation style which involves behaviors such as playing roles, imitating people or even engaging others in performing small role-plays, and is seen as an individual difference phenomenon. The psychometric properties of the Polish version were tested in two samples with a total of 762 participants. The article presents the factor structure and reliability of the scale. In addition, the AIS was correlated with measures of the Big Five personality traits, pragmatism and gelotophobia to provide initial validation. Measurement invariance was tested using data collected in this study (Polish sample) and existing and previously published data (German sample). Overall, the results provide support for the reliability of the scale as its properties are similar to those of the German version. The findings also allow one to make broader cross-cultural comparisons of the histrionic self-presentation style, which includes various types of behavior and is often associated with humor.