The second part of the series Individual Differences And Interpersonal Interactions ...
Self-monitoring
is the monitoring of behavior in social situations. It refers to
individual differences in the ability and motivation to regulate expressive
behaviors. It is the regulation of
behavior with respect to social and interpersonal interactions. Thus,
self-monitoring is about how individuals respond to others and the extent to
which they engage in expressive control.
There
are individual differences in self-monitoring. People are either high on
self-monitoring or low on self-monitoring. High self-monitors act according to
the appropriateness of the situation. They are concerned about how others will
perceive them in a specific situation and mold their behavior accordingly.
Their behavior also varies with the kind of people that they interact with.
Therefore, high self-monitors may be highly responsive to social and
interpersonal cues, with respect to the appropriateness of the situation.
In
contrast, low self-monitors show a lot lesser concern for situational
appropriateness. They do not indulge in behaviors that appear situationally
appropriate. Rather than molding and maneuvering their behavior, they show more consistency in
their behavior in varying situations and with different types of individuals.
Instead of being highly responsive to situational cues, low self-monitors
behave according to their inner beliefs, attitudes, emotions, and dispositions.
High
and low self-monitoring is also associated with different types of interaction
patterns. People who are high on self-monitoring choose their friendships and
acquaintanceships based on shared activities. Their bonding with others depends on
how well they are suited to the particular activity. They like spending time
with only those people who are relevant to the concerned activity.
People
who are low on self-monitoring, on the other hand, choose their friendships and
acquaintanceships based on emotional bonds. They like to spend time with people
whom they like, irrespective of the activity.
Consequently,
the social world of high self-monitors differs from that of low self-monitors. The
social world of high self-monitors is very compartmentalized, with different
individuals (friends, acquaintances) linked with different specific activities.
Whereas the social world of low self-monitors is less uncategorized, with
individuals not necessarily related to specific activities.
With
respect to growth in intimacy and interconnectedness, low self-monitors take
more time as compared to high self-monitors. Low self-monitors, generally,
prefer to take time in establishing a stronger emotional bond with others. High
self-monitors are able to connect well with others with relative ease.
High
and low self-monitors also differ in terms of romantic behavior and sexuality. High
self-monitors have been found to choose a romantic partner, largely, on the
basis of physical appearance. Low self-monitors give more emphasis to inner
qualities. High self-monitors, also, are likely to have more romantic and
sexual partners as compared low self-monitors.
Further,
low self-monitors are likely to be more satisfied in their relationships with
others. Research suggests that low self-monitors are concerned with the inner
qualities of any relationship, such as shared values, and are lesser focused on
the external aspects of relationships. This allows them to be themselves with
others, and thus be more satisfied.
High
self-monitors, in contrast, are more concerned and preoccupied with the
external aspects of individuals and relationships, such as physical appearance
or prestige associated with the relationship. This allows them to act as per
the expectations of the roles. They tend to derive esteem from others, whereas low
self-monitors base their relationships on the basis of authenticity and trust.
Therefore,
self-monitoring – individual differences in the regulation of expressive
behavior – plays a strong role in determining interpersonal interactions. Individuals,
depending on being either high or low on self-monitoring, can differ with
respect to how they interact with others and how they develop social and
emotional connectedness with others.
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