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The Costs to Life Satisfaction of Impression Management: The Sense of Control and Loneliness as Mediators

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Wangshuai
  • Li, Jie
  • Sun, Gong
  • Zhang, Xin-an
  • Cheng, Zhiming

Abstract

Impression management, or self-presentation, prevails in our daily lives. However, whether it enhances individuals’ happiness remains underexplored. This paper examines the relationship between impression management and life satisfaction, and whether the sense of control and loneliness mediate this relationship. Using original survey data, we found a negative association between impression management and life satisfaction. In addition, the association was fully mediated by the sense of control and loneliness. The study contributes to the literature on quality of life by highlighting the negative effect of impression management in predicting individuals’ life satisfaction. Implications of the findings for research and practice are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Wangshuai & Li, Jie & Sun, Gong & Zhang, Xin-an & Cheng, Zhiming, 2016. "The Costs to Life Satisfaction of Impression Management: The Sense of Control and Loneliness as Mediators," MPRA Paper 72912, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:72912
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    4. Waytz, Adam & Chou, Eileen Y. & Magee, Joe C. & Galinsky, Adam D., 2015. "Not so lonely at the top: The relationship between power and loneliness," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 130(C), pages 69-78.
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    JEL classification:

    • I31 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Welfare, Well-Being, and Poverty - - - General Welfare, Well-Being

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