Psychology & Sociology
One method of creating an impression is through self-disclosure, where an individual reveals information about themselves in order to form an identity and influence how others perceive them. Another method is managing appearances, where a person does something exclusively to make themselves look good.
Aligning actions is a strategy where a person makes excuses for their behavior to make their actions appear justifiable, while altercasting involves assigning an identity to someone else, often without much basis, to make oneself seem more likable. Ingratiation is the act of doing something solely to make oneself seem more likable, using flattery and agreeable behavior. Lastly, the dramaturgical approach suggests that people have two personas: the front stage self, which is the side presented to an audience for the purpose of impression management, and the backstage self, the true, uninhibited self that emerges when not concerned with impressing others.
Lesson Outline
<ul> <li>Impression management: Methods people use to influence how others perceive them</li> <ul> <li>Self-disclosure: Revealing information about oneself to create an identity</li> <li>Managing appearances: Doing something exclusively to make oneself look good</li> <li>Aligning actions: Making excuses for one's behavior to seem more agreeable</li> <li>Altercasting: Assigning an identity to someone else to make oneself seem more likable or persuasive</li> <li>Ingratiation: Doing something solely to make oneself appear more likable, often through flattery</li> <li>Dramaturgical approach: Switching between personas (front stage self and backstage self) depending on the situation</li> </ul> </ul>
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FAQs
Impression management is the process by which individuals control the perceptions others have of them, particularly in professional settings. In the medical field, healthcare professionals may utilize impression management to present themselves as competent, knowledgeable, and empathetic towards patients and colleagues. Self-disclosure refers to sharing personal information or experiences with others to influence how they are perceived. In healthcare, a balance between professional impression management and appropriate self-disclosure is essential to establish rapport and trust with patients without crossing professional boundaries.
The strategy of managing appearances involves controlling one's outward image and behavior to create a favorable impression on others. In a clinical setting, healthcare professionals can achieve this by maintaining a professional appearance, using clear and empathetic communication, and demonstrating respect and attentiveness towards patients and colleagues. Aligning actions refers to ensuring that one's actions are consistent with their stated beliefs or values, contributing to authenticity and credibility. An alignment between words and actions promotes trust, collaboration, and better overall patient care in a healthcare team environment.
Ingratiation is a strategy used to gain favor or approval from others by attempting to appeal to their preferences, values, or emotions. In healthcare settings, professionals may leverage ingratiation to establish rapport and trust with patients, colleagues, or superiors. This may involve expressing interest in others' opinions, offering compliments, or highlighting shared goals and values. While ingratiation can be an effective impression management tool, it's essential to remain genuine and avoid excessive flattery or attempts to curry favor that may detract from one's credibility and professionalism.
The dramaturgical approach, a sociological perspective, compares social interactions to a theatrical performance, with individuals taking on various roles in different situations. The front stage self refers to the persona or role an individual portrays while in public or engaging with others. This may involve adhering to professional norms, using scripted responses, or demonstrating empathy and competence. The backstage self, on the other hand, is the more private, authentic self that emerges when one is not in the public eye or under scrutiny. Balancing the front stage and backstage selves is crucial for maintaining professional integrity and personal well-being.
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