Establishing versus preserving impressions: Predicting success in the multiple audience problem

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Impression Management

Background:

• Individuals often manage impressions across diverse audiences.
• Previous research indicates general success in the 'multiple audience problem'.
• Factors limiting impression management success require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate factors limiting success in managing impressions for multiple audiences simultaneously.
• To examine the role of social anxiety in the multiple audience problem.
• To compare success rates in establishing versus preserving multiple impressions.

Main Methods:

• Participants were placed in situations requiring simultaneous impression management.
• Social anxiety levels were measured.
• Success in establishing new impressions was compared to preserving existing ones.

Main Results:

• Participants were more successful in preserving previously established impressions compared to establishing new ones.
• Social anxiety did not significantly influence the success of managing multiple audiences.
• The ability to manage impressions varied depending on whether impressions were being established or preserved.

Conclusions:

• Preserving existing impressions is generally easier than establishing new ones across different audiences.
• Social anxiety is not a limiting factor in the multiple audience problem.
• Understanding these challenges provides insight into social interaction dynamics.