Humans are social animals, and the impressions we make on others can critically impact the quality of our lives. Consequently, we spend much of our lives, both consciously and unconsciously, working to shape other people's ideas about who we are. In this eye-opening, 12-lecture series with Professor Leary, explore the "self-presentational underpinnings of human behavior" as well as the what, how, and why of impression management. People form impressions...

Know your audience. Learn why their impressions matter and how we shift from one self-presentational performance to another, depending on the values of the people with whom we interact. In our efforts to be seen as likable, competent, and virtuous, we tailor our self-presentation to the preferences of those around us.

The balance that all humans strike between conformity and individuality has critical bearing on the quality and happiness of our lives. Although we are often reminded of the importance of individuality, it is actually conformity that allows us to function as social animals. Explore the role that self-presentation plays in finding "optimal distinctiveness."

Our friends, family, and romantic partners hold tremendous sway over the outcomes of our lives--a reality reflected in the ways we use self-presentation to manage these critical associations. From first impressions to final conflicts, see how we present ourselves to create, manage, improve, and even end our closest relationships.

Everyone has said and done things that constitute what Professor Leary calls "self-presentational disasters." Generally, the consequences are minor, if uncomfortable. Discover common mishaps, as well as more critical, life-changing mistakes, and the many strategies we employ to mitigate the damage to our image once it has been done.

Professor Leary reviews the role of self-presentation in our social lives--and our frequent discomfort with it. How can we both manage impressions and be authentic individuals? Is impression management just another form of dishonesty, or an essential tool? The study of self-presentation can reveal to us not just how we want to be seen, but at a much deeper level, who we actually are.

"To understand the roots of personality is to understand motivations and influences that shape behavior, which in turn reflect how you deal with the opportunities and challenges of everyday life. That's the focus of these exciting 24 lectures, in which you examine the differences in people's personalities, where these differences come from, and how they shape our lives. Drawing on information gleaned from psychology, neuroscience, and genetics, Professor...