Rethinking Social Desirability Scales: From Impression Management to Interpersonally Oriented Self-Control

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Personality Psychology

Background:

• Social desirability scales, particularly impression management (IM) measures, are frequently employed by researchers and practitioners.
• These scales are used to identify individuals who may bias self-reports or are at risk for psychological and health issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically evaluate the efficacy of impression management scales in measuring response style.
• To explore the actual individual differences measured by impression management scores.
• To propose a redefinition of impression management scales.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and evidence concerning impression management scales.
• Development and application of six criteria for evaluating impression management scales.
• Comparison of the defensiveness and adjustment approaches to understanding impression management scores.

Main Results:

• Impression management scales are deemed unsatisfactory as direct measures of response style.
• Evidence across diverse fields (social behavior, well-being, health, job performance) supports the adjustment approach.
• Impression management scores are associated with personal well-being and interpersonal adjustment.

Conclusions:

• Impression management scales should be redefined as measures of interpersonally oriented self-control.
• These redefined scales can identify individuals exhibiting high self-control, particularly in social settings.
• This redefinition offers a more accurate understanding of what these scales truly measure.