Abstract

This study examined the relationship between self-presentation and assertive and defensive tactics. Five hundred adolescents completed measures of self-presentation, assertive and defensive tactics, and personality characteristics. Results suggested that assertive tactics were related to Ability to Regulate self-image, and defensive tactics were related to Social Sensitivity, and Social Openness. Assertive and Defensive tactics are predicted through Friendliness, Conscientiousness, Energy, and Openness. The implications of the findings for future theoretical and empirical development of research in this field are discussed.