Assertive, offensive, protective, and defensive styles of self-presentation:: A taxonomy

Classifications of self-presentational behavior are reviewed for differences and similarities. Earlier classifications and recent empirical research are used as a basis for a taxonomy of four styles of self-presentation-assertive, offensive, protective, and defensive-according to the relevant self-presentational intentions and the level of activity involved. Each style is illustrated with typical behavioral examples, together with individual differences and possible consequences.