Self-esteem and perception control among young people: Is there a link?

Perception Control is the conscious desire of an individual to control how others perceive them. It is similar to self-presentation and other impression management techniques. Our study looked at whether there is a relationship between self-esteem and perception control among young people, and also if there are age and/or gender-related differences in perception control and self-esteem. We conducted this study, using a convenient sampling method, in 305 young people aged 15 to 24 years. The variables of self-esteem and perception control were measured using Rosenberg’s Self-Esteem Scale and Perception Control Scale respectively. Data was analysed using Spearman’s Rank Correlation, and difference in perception control and self-esteem based on age and gender was analysed using T-Test and Mann-Whitney U Test respectively. We found that self-esteem was negatively correlated with perception control and negatively predicted perception control. There was no significant difference in perception control and self-esteem based on gender, but there was a significant difference in perception control based on age. Our findings can help people create awareness about impression management, self-presentation and perception control techniques. Mental health care professionals can use this study’s findings to help their clients in refraining from the use of false self-presentation techniques and can also help people understand their self –worth and gain self-respect.