Self-Presentation: Crafting Your Social Identity
Scientifically Reviewed · Dr. Marwa Abd-Alazim · October 14, 2026
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The term “self-presentation” refers to the process of strategically presenting one’s self to others in order to make a positive impression (Goffman, 1959). Self-presentation is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon that involves cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components (Leary & Kowalski, 1990). It has been found to play a significant role in the way individuals interact with each other and the way they form and maintain relationships (Leary & Kowalski, 1990).
One of the most influential theories of self-presentation is Erving Goffman’s (1959) dramaturgical model. In this model, Goffman suggests that individuals are constantly engaging in a type of performance in which they attempt to manage the impressions that others form of them. He argued that individuals have a tendency to regulate their behavior and presentation of self in order to create a desired public image (Goffman, 1959).
Self-presentation is also closely related to the concept of impression management. Impression management is a process in which an individual attempts to control how others perceive them by selectively presenting certain aspects of themselves (Goffman, 1959). People often use impression management tactics in order to appear attractive, competent, or likable (Goffman, 1959).
Research has shown that self-presentation plays an important role in many different social contexts, including the workplace. Individuals often attempt to present themselves in an attractive, competent, and likable manner in order to get ahead in the workplace (Kanekar & Mason, 2011). Similarly, research has also found that self-presentation is an important factor in romantic relationships (Agnew & Sheldon, 2002). Individuals typically attempt to create a favorable impression of themselves in order to attract and maintain a romantic partner (Agnew & Sheldon, 2002).
In addition to its role in interpersonal relationships, self-presentation has also been found to be an important factor in online social networks (Heino, Ellison, & Gibbs, 2010). Individuals often attempt to create an attractive online presentation of themselves in order to gain attention and status within their online communities (Heino et al., 2010).
In summary, self-presentation is a complex, multifaceted phenomenon that involves cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components. It has been found to play a significant role in the way individuals interact with each other and the way they form and maintain relationships. Research has shown that self-presentation is an important factor in many different social contexts, including the workplace, romantic relationships, and online social networks.
References
Agnew, C. R., & Sheldon, K. M. (2002). Understanding romantic relationships from a self-presentation perspective. In K. Dindia & D. J. Canary (Eds.), Sex differences and similarities in communication (pp. 83-98). Mahwah, NJ: Erlbaum.
Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. New York, NY: Doubleday.
Heino, R. D., Ellison, N. B., & Gibbs, J. L. (2010). Self-presentation in online social networks: Self-reported accuracy, actual accuracy, and perceived accuracy. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking, 13, 303-310.
Kanekar, A., & Mason, R. (2011). Self-presentation in the workplace: A review of the literature. International Journal of Selection and Assessment, 19, 4-14.
Leary, M. R., & Kowalski, R. M. (1990). Impression management: A literature review and two-component model. Psychological Bulletin, 107, 34-47.
