Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Self-monitoring personality was introduced into the psychological literature more than three decades ago by Mark Snyder as a dispositional construct reflecting differences in the extent to which individuals monitor their self-presentations, expressive behavior, and nonverbal affective displays. High self-monitors are generally more flexible and pragmatic in their interpersonal orientations, adopting social interaction patterns that promote fitting in and meeting others' expectations. As such, they have sometimes been labeled as “chameleons.” Low self-monitors are regarded as generally more principled in their interactions in that they are more likely to display a high correspondence between their emotions or attitudes and their behavior. These individuals are very consistent and predictable in terms of acting in accord with their beliefs, and thus operate according to the philosophy of “to thine own self be true.” Self-monitoring is considered to be relatively enduring over time and captures aspects of both the motivation and ability to monitor verbal and nonverbal behavior in social situations. From this early conceptualization, self-monitoring has evolved in meaning. Specifically, the concept has been elaborated to reflect differences in: a) how high and low self-monitors think about and organize the social world around them; b) the types of interpersonal strategies that are ... log in or subscribe to read full text