Investigation of Self-Presentation Among Low Self-Monitors

Abstract

Low self-monitors are often described as individuals who lack self-presentation concerns. They seem not to adjust their behavior in accordance with situational demands. Instead, their behavior seems to be guided by their inner attitudes, dispositions, and values, and thus their behavior is consistent across time and situations. We question the view that low self-monitors lack self-presentation concerns. In contrast, we argue that low self-monitors care about their self-presentation and that their main self-presentation concern is to appear sincere to others.

The purpose of the present research was to examine whether low self-monitors are concerned about self-presentation. More specifically, we were interested in whether low self-monitors are concerned about appearing to be sincere to others. To test the specific hypothesis, we wanted to distinguish between low self-monitors' desire to "appear" to be sincere from their desire to "be" sincere.

Two studies were conducted to test the hypotheses. The results of the self-report measure in Study 1 and the results of Study 2 did not demonstrate that low self-monitors are concerned about appearing sincere. On the other hand, the results of the behavioral measure in Study 1 suggest the need for further research into the possibility that the low self-monitors have self-presentation concerns and that those concerns may derive from a desire to appear to be sincere. Results and their implications are discussed in relation to a traditional view of low self-monitors.