Rosario Institute

Founded 1946

Persona: The Different

Masks We Wear

Research Presented to
Rosario Institute
in Partial Fulfillment of
the Requirements in
Practical Research 1

Group Members
John Nhorlie Magbanua
Ralphjerson Peñaranda
Carissa Althea Ratonel
Dhan Glicer Ocampo
Markjames Estores
Trisha Valencia
Reyzel Remias
Jomari Marabe
Jericho Ibañez
Bryan Lungay
Alyana Solis
Iyah Tintero
Abel Lobrin

A.Y. 2022-2023

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

As various people interact with more and more people on a daily basis, it

has become increasingly common for their personalities to diverge depending on

who they are with, the environment they are in, and other factors. Individuals have

developed a focus on acting in accordance with the people they interact with and

the context in which they are, which has led to the issue of becoming perplexed

about who their "true" selves are. Adopting a persona not only makes one struggle

with their behavior but may also make them uncertain about how to express their

emotions in accordance with how they truly feel. Putting on a persona or donning

a mask can be a coping or defensive strategy to hide your true self during social

or intimate encounters. Words, body language, facial expressions, and actions all

allow you to hide your true self or nature.

Literature has also explored the idea of persona, particularly in the works of

writers like William Shakespeare and Fyodor Dostoevsky. In his writings on ethics,

the philosopher Aristotle also discussed the concept of persona. He stressed the

significance of knowing oneself and being true to one's nature. Numerous

academics have studied this idea of a persona over the course of history. He

thought that while the persona is an important component of our psychological

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

make-up and aids in our social interaction, it can also cause us to lose our

authenticity if we become overly attached to it.

The study of personas in contemporary culture has moved beyond

psychology and literature to encompass disciplines like sociology and marketing.

The persona of a person refers to the way in which an individual presents

themselves to others. It is the image or impression that a person wants to project

to others in order to influence their opinions or actions. A person's persona can be

shaped by a variety of factors, including their personality, values, beliefs,

experiences, and cultural background. Studying the perspective of personas will

help the selected participants, students in Rosario and Cavite, have a deeper

understanding of how and why an individual adapts a persona depending on the

social context they are in and the people they are with. The way a person presents

themselves to others is referred to as their persona or perspective. It is the picture

or impression that someone wants to give to other people in order to affect their

thoughts or behavior. Numerous elements, such as a person's personality, values,

beliefs, experiences, and cultural background, can influence their persona.

The chosen participants in Rosario, Cavite will gain awareness of the

various personas we adopt in various situations so that we can better comprehend

our own motivations, values, and priorities. This self-awareness can help us make

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

wiser choices, build more genuine connections with others, and lead more fulfilling

lives. In response to the social context in which they find themselves, people

frequently alter their behavior and attitudes. By examining this phenomenon, we

can gain insight into the intricate and varied nature of human behavior. It helps

with understanding human behavior and the variables that affect it, which is helpful

for people and organizations looking to create strong bonds and effective

communication plans. Moreover, studying personas can help people better

understand themselves and their own behavior. We can gain a better

understanding of our own motivations, values, and priorities by becoming aware

of the different personas we adopt in different situations. This self-awareness can

assist us in making better decisions, developing more authentic relationships, and

living more fulfilling lives.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Statement of the Problem

The purpose of this study is to determine how a person behaves in

relation to their environment and the people around them.

The following research questions assisted and directed the study's

emphasis:

1. How do social norms and expectations influence the adaptation of

different persona?

2. How can understanding the concept of "persona" help individuals

navigate social situations more effectively?

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Conceptual Framework

Figure 1. Research Model

The paradigm shows the individual but connects aspects of adopting a

persona, on how it affects a person’s relation to their environment which serve as

the focus of this research study. These are considered as part of the learning

process and determine the extent as well as the relationship of these aspects.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Adopting a persona involves intentionally presenting oneself in a particular

way to influence how others perceive and interact with us. This deliberate

presentation of self has been shown to have a significant impact on interpersonal

relationships. For instance, a study conducted by researchers at the University of

California, Berkeley found that adopting a powerful persona can increase

interpersonal influence. Participants who adopted a powerful posture were more

likely to influence their partner's behavior than those who adopted a powerless

posture (Carney, Cuddy, & Yap, 2010). Similarly, researchers at the University of

Oregon found that adopting a "true self" persona can lead to more authentic and

satisfying interpersonal relationships. Participants who acted like themselves had

more positive interactions and reported feeling more authentic than those who

acted like someone else (LaBelle, 2016). Overall, research has demonstrated that

adopting a particular persona can have significant implications for interpersonal

interactions. The findings suggest that being intentional about how we present

ourselves can have important effects on our relationships. For example, adopting

a warm and friendly persona can lead to more positive perceptions from others,

while adopting a powerful persona can increase interpersonal influence (Park,

Quinn, & Lee, 2017). These insights have relevance across various fields,

including psychology, marketing, performance, and leadership. By understanding

how personas are created and perceived, individuals can develop more effective

communication strategies and build stronger connections with others.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

The link between adopting a persona and its influence on self-awareness is

multifaceted, and has been studied in various contexts. Allowing people to explore

and express many facets of their personality is one way that taking on a character

may have an impact on self-awareness. By intentionally embodying a particular

persona, individuals may be able to tap into parts of themselves that they may not

normally access, leading to increased self-awareness and understanding (Chen et

al., 2018). For example, an individual who adopts the persona of a confident public

speaker may discover that they possess greater charisma and communication

skills than they previously believed.

The ability to examine numerous aspects of oneself in a secure and

controlled environment makes taking on a character an effective tool for exploring

and finding identity. Theater, improvisation, and other kinds of artistic expression

frequently employ this persona-creation technique. One study published in the

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology explored the relationship between

adopting a persona and identity exploration. The researchers found that individuals

who adopted a temporary identity (i.e., a persona) were more likely to engage in

self-reflection and introspection, and were more likely to explore different aspects

of their identity than those who did not adopt a persona (Gosling, Ko, Mannarelli,

& Morris, 2002). In general, there are many different ways in which establishing a

persona and discovering identity are related. However, research indicates that

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

taking on a persona may be a useful tool for those who want to discover and

explore various facets of themselves in a secure and controlled environment.

The relationship between an individual's environment and their exploration

of identity is a complex and multifaceted one, with numerous studies examining

the ways in which environmental factors can shape one's sense of self. One key

way in which the environment can shape identity exploration is through the

provision of opportunities for self-discovery. According to Erikson's theory of

psychosocial development, individuals go through a process of identity exploration

and development during adolescence and early adulthood, which involves

experimenting with different roles and values (Erikson, 1968). However, the extent

to which individuals are able to engage in this process may be limited by their

environment, which can either facilitate or constrain their exploration of different

possibilities (Schwartz et al., 2013). In conclusion, the relationship between

environment and identity exploration is a complex and dynamic one, with many

factors at play.

Research has consistently shown that the environment can significantly

influence the way individuals develop and explore the relationship between the

environment and group dynamics has been studied extensively in the field of social

psychology. It suggests that the physical environment can have a significant

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

impact on how individuals interact with each other and how groups function.

Environmental cues can influence group behavior: According to the social identity

theory, people tend to identify with their surroundings and behave accordingly.

Environmental cues can affect group behavior by shaping group identity and

reinforcing social norms. For instance, research has shown that individuals are

more likely to cooperate in a natural environment than in an artificial one (Kahn,

1999). As a whole, through influencing identity within a group, communication

styles, and well-being, the environment may have a substantial influence on group

dynamics. As a result, when working together to achieve shared objectives, it is

crucial for group leaders and members to take the physical environment into

account.

The relationship between the environment and social influence is complex

and multifaceted. Environmental factors can have a significant impact on social

influence, including attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. This influence can occur

through a variety of mechanisms, including social norms, cultural values, and

individual experiences. Research has shown that the physical environment can

shape attitudes and behaviors, which can in turn influence social influence.

In conclusion, the study of persona is a complex and multidimensional

concept that encompasses various aspects of an individual's personality, behavior,

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

and social identity. The conceptual framework presented in this study highlights

the importance of understanding how different factors, such as culture,

environment, and individual experiences, can influence the development and

expression of persona. By gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying

mechanisms that shape persona, researchers and practitioners can better identify

and address the challenges and opportunities associated with managing and

leveraging persona in various contexts, such as marketing, advertising, and social

interaction. Ultimately, this can lead to a more nuanced and effective approach to

understanding and leveraging the power of persona in contemporary society.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This subject's range covers the study of human behavior and how it varies

according to social context. It entails examining the ways in which individuals

behave differently depending on the social setting or environment. Identifying the

elements, such as personality traits, cultural background, and social norms, that

affect a person's behavior in particular contexts is another aspect of this topic's

scope.

Examining the various theories and models that have been used to

explain how people behave in social settings may also be included in this topic.

Specific participants at Rosario, Cavite will participate in a face-to-face interview

for the research and provide their responses. From fifteen (15)

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

participants at Rosario, Cavite, the researchers will collect data and information.

Since we were interested in individuals who interact with various people, the

respondents were chosen according to their reputation and social dynamics.

Each student will have a face-to-face interview inside or outside the institution,

which will last 30 minutes.

Significance of the Study

The main goal of the study is to explain how social context influences

behavior and the people an individual surrounds themselves with in order to

provide crucial information and knowledge about this relationship.

Students. The results will provide the student with information about how

understanding how we behave in different situations can increase our self-

awareness. By knowing when and how to change our behavior, we can become

more conscious of our actions and motivations. Understanding how people

behave in different situations can help students develop important skills that they

can use in their future careers. Being aware of how people behave in different

contexts can also help students navigate academic environments more

effectively.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Participants. By becoming aware of how their behavior changes in

different social situations, participants can work towards developing a more

authentic and consistent sense of self. They can identify areas where they may

be behaving differently to fit in or impress others and work on being true to

themselves. By being aware of how their behavior changes in different social

situations, participants can have more fulfilling relationships. They can identify

situations where they may be compromising their values or sacrificing their needs

to fit in and work on building relationships based on authenticity and mutual

respect. In conclusion, the study of how a person behaves depending on who

they are with and where they are has significant implications for personal growth,

social skills development, relationship building, and decision-making. It can help

respondents develop a deeper understanding of human behavior and improve

their ability to navigate complex social situations.

Researchers. The study's potential significance lies in its ability to

advance knowledge of how social context and group dynamics affect people's

behavior. Researchers may be able to spot trends or underlying factors that

influence these processes by looking at how people adjust to various social

situations and how they adopt different personas. Overall, the study has the

potential to advance knowledge of the nuanced ways in which social context and

group dynamics influence human behavior and guide future research and clinical

practice across a variety of disciplines.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Teachers. The study will be beneficial to the teachers since it will give a

better understanding of how someone may adopt a persona when they are

uneasy and help teachers recognize when a student may be struggling with

personal issues, such as anxiety or depression. By being aware of these

behaviors, teachers can potentially provide support and resources to help

students cope with these challenges. Additionally, it emphasizes how important

peer influence is in shaping students' behavior. Teachers can use this

information to teach students how their social environment affects their behavior

and to assist them in improving their self-awareness and self-control.

School. The study's significance for the school lies in its potential to

promote a better understanding of the complex dynamics of social interactions

among students. By examining how a person behaves in different social

contexts, the study can shed light on the various factors that influence students'

behavior, such as peer pressure, cultural norms, and individual personality traits.

This knowledge can be used to develop effective strategies for managing social

dynamics within the school environment, such as anti-bullying programs,

diversity training, and counseling services. Ultimately, the study can help schools

cultivate a safe and supportive learning environment where students feel

comfortable being themselves and can thrive academically, socially, and

emotionally.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Definition of Terms

The definition of terms will aid readers in comprehending this

study's terminology and the meanings of each word:

Persona

Refers to the aspect of one's personality or character that is presented or

perceived by others. It can be a deliberate construction or a natural manifestation

of one's behavior and can vary depending on the social context or situation.

Behavior

Refers to the actions or conduct of an individual in response to external or

internal stimuli. It can be influenced by various factors such as personal beliefs,

attitudes, emotions, social norms, and environmental conditions.

Social Context

Refers to the social and cultural factors that shape and influence the

behavior, attitudes, and interactions of individuals in a particular social setting or

group. It includes aspects such as social norms, values, roles, and expectations.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Adaptation

Refers to the process of adjusting or changing one's behavior, attitudes, or

actions in response to new or changing circumstances, challenges, or

environments. It can be a conscious or unconscious process and is often

essential for survival and successful functioning in different situations.

Identity

Refers to the characteristics, beliefs, values, and attributes that define and

distinguish an individual or group from others. It can be shaped by various factors

such as cultural, social, and environmental influences and can evolve and

change over time.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

CHAPTER TWO

Review of Related Literature

Persona is a multifaceted concept that has been explored in various fields

of study, including psychology, sociology, communication, and media studies.

Broadly speaking, persona refers to the different roles or identities that individuals

adopt in different social contexts or situations. These roles can be consciously or

unconsciously constructed and may reflect aspects of an individual's personality,

culture, and social status. The term persona has been used extensively in various

fields, including marketing, psychology, and user experience design. In the context

of marketing and user experience design, a persona is a fictional representation of

the ideal user or customer of a product or service. It is developed based on

research and insights obtained from the target audience, and serves as a guiding

framework for the design and development of products and services that cater to

the specific needs and preferences of that audience.

The use of personas is an essential tool for businesses and organizations

seeking to create user-centered products and services that meet the requirements

of their target audience. It also enables them to develop more effective marketing

strategies that resonate with their audience, ultimately leading to better business

outcomes. In marketing, it refers to the fictional character created to represent the

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

ideal customer of a product or service. According to McCarthy and Wright (2004),

"A persona is a composite archetype of the type of person who might use a product

or service, based on research and insights from the target audience." The primary

purpose of creating a persona is to assist designers and marketers in gaining a

better understanding of the target audience's needs, motivations, and behaviors.

By using a persona as a reference, designers and marketers can create products

and services that are relevant, usable, and engaging to the people who are most

likely to use them.

The persona serves a crucial function in facilitating social interactions and

relationships. It enables individuals to present themselves in a way that is socially

acceptable and appropriate, and to maintain a sense of control over their public

image. However, it is important to recognize that the persona is a constructed

identity, and that it may not fully reflect an individual's true self. In psychology, Carl

Jung (1959) proposed the concept of persona as a social mask that individuals

wear to present themselves to the outside world. He argued that individuals

develop different personas to adapt to different social situations and to protect their

inner selves. Jung believed that the persona is a necessary part of human

functioning because it enables individuals to interact with others and to navigate

the social world. However, he also cautioned that excessive identification with the

persona can lead to a loss of connection with one's authentic self, resulting in

feelings of alienation and emptiness. In this sense, the persona is a kind of social

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

armor that individuals use to shield themselves from the judgments and

expectations of others. While the persona can be useful in navigating social

situations, it can also be limiting and constraining, preventing individuals from fully

expressing themselves and connecting with others on a deeper level. Overall,

Jung's concept of persona highlights the complex interplay between the individual

and society, and the role that social norms and expectations play in shaping our

sense of self.

In sociology, Erving Goffman (1959) expanded on Jung's idea and described

how individuals perform different roles and enact different personas in everyday

life. He coined the term "impression management" to describe the ways in which

individuals actively shape others' perceptions of them through their actions and

words. The purpose of impression management is to provide a pleasant and

favorable image to others, which may entail emphasizing specific desirable

attributes or suppressing bad elements of oneself. Personal encounters,

professional settings, and social media are all examples of where it might occur.

Impression management can be purposeful or inadvertent, and it is impacted by a

number of variables such as societal standards, culture, and individual personality

features. Some people are better at managing their impressions than others, and

some situations are more favorable to good impression control than others.

According to Goffman, individuals use various techniques to manage the

impressions they create in social situations, such as adopting specific verbal and

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

nonverbal behaviors, presenting oneself in a certain way, and strategically

revealing or concealing information. This impression management serves to

control how others perceive us and can be done consciously or unconsciously.

Goffman's work highlights the importance of social interactions and the ways in

which individuals actively shape and manage their public image. It suggests that

individuals are constantly engaged in a process of impression management and

that social interactions are a site of negotiation and strategic planning. Overall,

Goffman's work on impression management provides insight into the complex

nature of social interactions and the ways in which individuals actively participate

in the construction of their social identities. It highlights the importance of social

context and the role of social norms and expectations in shaping our behaviors

and actions.

In communication and media studies, researchers have explored how

individuals develop and maintain their personalities through social media (Boyd,

2008), as well as how celebrities deliberately craft and display their public

personas in the media (Marshall, 2010). Various studies have looked into how

people use social media to represent different elements of their identities, as well

as how celebrities intentionally display themselves to the public in order to retain

their popularity and position. Scholars have also examined how the depiction of

personalities in popular culture and the media reflects and reinforces wider cultural

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

norms and values (Hall, 1980). A distinct research study emphasizes the intricate

ways in which people and celebrities negotiate and construct their identities in the

context of media and cultural influences.

In cultural studies, Pierre Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital refers to

the cultural resources that individuals possess, including knowledge, skills, and

cultural tastes. Bourdieu argued that these cultural resources are not evenly

distributed in society and are often associated with social class. Building on the

concept of the persona, Bourdieu suggested that individuals from different social

classes construct different personas based on their access to cultural capital. For

example, individuals from privileged backgrounds may have greater access to

cultural resources, which they use to construct personas that reflect their social

status and reinforce their position in society. These personas may involve the

adoption of certain manners, tastes, or attitudes that are associated with the

dominant culture. Conversely, individuals from less privileged backgrounds may

have limited access to cultural resources and may struggle to construct personas

that reflect their social identities. They may also face social barriers and

discrimination when attempting to perform certain personas that are associated

with the dominant culture. Overall, Bourdieu's concept of cultural capital and its

relationship to the persona highlights the complex ways in which social status and

cultural resources shape our identities and social interactions. It also raises

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

important questions about the role of cultural capital in reproducing social

inequalities and how individuals can challenge dominant cultural norms and

construct alternative personas that reflect their own values and identities. Overall,

the concept of persona is complex and multifaceted, and its definition and

understanding vary depending on the field of study. However, it provides a useful

lens through which to examine how individuals construct and present themselves

in different social contexts, and how these presentations reflect and shape their

identities and the larger societal norms and values.

These aren't the only structures linked to personas; we'll also look at how a

person adopts different personalities in different social circumstances and whether

this affects an individual's sense of self and identity. As we move through life and

interact with other people, we rely not only on how they treat us, but also on the

situation that we find ourselves in. The persona is a functional complex that serves

as a bridge between the inner self and the outer world, allowing individuals to adapt

and respond to social situations in a way that is acceptable and appropriate. The

concept of persona, as proposed by Carl Jung in 1959, is the social mask or facade

that individuals present to others. It is a construct that mediates between the

individual and society, reflecting the individual's adaptation to the demands of the

external world. This means that the persona can be both conscious and

unconscious, and can be influenced by social norms and expectations. Overall,

the concept of persona proposed by Jung highlights the importance of social

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

adaptation and the ways in which individuals present themselves to the outside

world. It underscores the complex interplay between the individual and society,

and raises important questions about the relationship between the persona and

the inner self.

Other psychologists have also researched the persona concept. Erik

Erikson, for instance, proposed that the persona acts as a shield to help people

negotiate the world but may also hide elements of their personality that they are

not yet ready to address. (Erikson, 1959). The idea of a persona has lately been

employed by scholars to investigate online identification and social media. Marwick

and Boyd (2011), for instance, advise people to construct digital personas that

simultaneously hide their weaknesses and reveal the image they want to project

to others. The process of altering or adapting one's public image or persona to

match a particular social environment or scenario is known as adaptation linked to

persona. A key component of social conduct and self-presentation is the idea of

adaptability in relation to persona. People may alter their public persona or image

to match various social circumstances and contexts, and this process of adaptation

can help them accomplish their objectives and successfully negotiate social

situations. The social psychologists Mark Leary and Robin Kowalski make this

argument in their 2009 paper, "Self-Presentation in Everyday Life," which claims

that people continuously change who they are to conform to other people's

expectations, sometimes to the point where they lose touch with who they really

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

are. They say that because people are taught to conform to societal norms, they

may lose sight of their own preferences and values in the process.

In the context of persona, a mask is the persona or identity that a person

adopts or portrays to others in order to meet societal expectations or to conceal

their actual selves. This might include actions, attitudes, and convictions that may

not be true to oneself or to reality but are rather the result of societal pressure or

training. Although they can be helpful in navigating social settings, masks can also

be restrictive and inhibit people from expressing themselves fully. This persona

may be a conscious invention or an unintentional reflection of their inner selves. In

either scenario, the persona is a mask that people put on to safeguard themselves,

control their image, or get through social situations. For instance, in a study that

was published in 2006, researchers looked at the connection between college

students' use of masks and the clarity of their own self-concept. They discovered

that students who wore masks—literally or figuratively—were more likely to suffer

from psychological distress and to have a vague understanding of who they really

were. (Leary et al., 2006).

The persona is a social mask that individuals use to adapt to social

situations and to protect their inner selves. However, when an individual becomes

too attached to a particular persona, it can become a barrier to their self-discovery

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

and personal growth. They may feel the need to constantly perform the persona,

leading to feelings of anxiety and disconnection from their authentic self. This can

also result in a loss of authenticity, as the individual may feel that they are living a

life that is not true to who they really are. In some cases, they may not even be

aware that they are living a persona-driven life, as the persona can become so

ingrained in their sense of self that it feels natural and authentic. Losing one's

authenticity due to adopting a persona can occur when a person's behavior and

actions are influenced by the need to conform to societal norms, expectations, or

roles rather than reflecting their true self. This can lead to a disconnection from

one's true values, beliefs, and identity. Psychologist Carl Rogers emphasized the

importance of authenticity, stating that "the curious paradox is that when I accept

myself just as I am, then I can change" (Rogers, 1961). This quote highlights a

paradoxical idea that self-acceptance can lead to personal growth and change. It

suggests that the more you accept yourself for who you are, including your flaws

and imperfections, the more likely you are to make positive changes in your life.

The paradox lies in the fact that typically, people believe that self-improvement

comes from acknowledging and focusing on their flaws, and then making a plan to

fix them. However, this mindset can often lead to self-criticism and negative self-

talk, which can be counterproductive and hinder progress.

An individual's ideas, feelings, and behaviors in social situations are shaped

and influenced by a variety of elements and circumstances, which are referred to

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

as the social context. As the social mask or facade that people display to the

outside world is frequently molded by the social environment in which they find

themselves, the idea of social context and persona are strongly tied to one another.

According to one research, "the social context shapes the way we perceive

ourselves and others, and we often tailor our behavior to fit into that context." (Ma

et al., 2018, p. 239). Another research contends that a variety of social elements,

such as cultural standards, gender roles, and socioeconomic standing, have an

impact on the character. (Hsu & Wan, 2016). As a result, the concept of persona

and social context are intimately related since the social mask or façade that

people present to others is typically shaped by the social situation in which they

are found.

In addition, a study by Pickett, Gardner, and Knowles (2004) found that

individuals who were primed to think about the importance of social roles were

more likely to conform to the expectations of those roles, even if it meant

compromising their own values and beliefs. This suggests that the adoption of a

persona can be influenced by external factors such as social roles and

expectations. After this priming task, participants were asked to complete a second

task that involved making decisions about whether to conform to a group norm or

to express their individual beliefs. The results showed that the primed participants

were more likely to conform to the group norm, even if it meant compromising their

own values and beliefs, compared to the non-primed participants. This suggests

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

that thinking about social roles can influence individuals to prioritize fitting into the

group over expressing their own individuality. In other words, individuals who are

primed to think about the importance of social roles may be more likely to adopt a

persona or conform to societal expectations in order to fit in and be accepted by

the group. This can lead to a loss of authenticity and disconnection from one's true

self.

In the framework of persona, we also have self-presentation, which dictates

how we desire to be viewed by others. Self-presentation is crucial in the context of

persona because it entails deliberately creating a public image that is consistent

with one's distinctive personality. "The persona is the self-presented to others, a

strategic construction that reveals some aspects of the self while concealing

others," Hearn and Schoenhoff (2015). (p. 53). As a whole, social psychology has

long placed a strong emphasis on the idea of self-presentation. Cultural norms, the

social environment, and personal values are just a few examples of the many

variables that have an impact on how people present themselves to others.

Building strong social connections and effective communication skills require an

understanding of the subtleties of self-presentation. The persona can be seen as

a kind of performance or act that we put on for others, displaying certain qualities

and characteristics that we believe will be well-received by those around us. This

may involve emphasizing certain aspects of our personality, while downplaying or

hiding others that we fear may be less acceptable or less desirable in the eyes of

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

others. At the same time, the persona can also serve to protect our inner selves

and maintain a sense of privacy and autonomy. By presenting a controlled and

curated version of ourselves to the world, we can shield ourselves from potential

judgment, rejection, or harm, while also maintaining a sense of control over how

we are perceived by others.

As we exhibit ourselves to various types of individuals, we additionally

indicate our social position and the role that we play. The statement "A person's

reputation is one of the main elements that determines their social standing"

means that the way others perceive a person, based on their past actions and

behavior, has a significant impact on how they are viewed by others and their social

status. In other words, a person's reputation can affect their success, opportunities,

and relationships in various areas of their life, including personal, professional, and

social. Fombrun and Shanley (1990) define reputation as "the overall estimation in

which a person or organization is held by its internal and external stakeholders

based on its past actions and probability of its future behavior." This means that a

person's reputation is not just based on their past behavior but also on how people

expect them to behave in the future. This is important because it means that a

person's reputation is not static, and it can change based on their actions and

behavior over time. Maintaining a certain reputation can lead a person to

consistently adopt or use a persona to uphold that reputation.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

An individual's position or standing in society is accompanied by a set of

expectations, customs, and behaviors known as a social role. It includes the

attitudes and actions that are typical of people in a certain social position, such as

parents, teachers, or doctors. Contrarily, a persona is a social mask or character

that people take on to display themselves to others in a specific way. It is the

person's projected identity or image to the outside world. As people may adopt

different personas depending on the social roles they play and as social roles may

also create expectations and norms that impact the development and presentation

of personas, the link between social role and persona is complicated. The degree

of role conflict or role ambiguity a person experiences may also have an impact on

the identities they assume. For instance, people who have contradictory

expectations from various social positions may be more prone to adopting

numerous personalities to deal with these expectations. The degree to which a

person identifies with a certain social role may also have an impact on how different

personalities are adopted. People who strongly identify with a certain social group,

for instance, may be more prone to develop a persona that is in line with the

standards of that group, even if it is not in line with their genuine selves (Tajfel &

Turner, 1986; Turner, Hogg, Oakes, Reicher, & Wetherell, 1987).

The presentation of oneself to others and the method in which one interacts

with them in social circumstances are both considered to be aspects of social

interaction that are connected to persona. It entails communicating with others via

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

both verbal and nonverbal means, as well as understanding what they are saying

and how to react to it. A person's persona may affect how they interact with others

in social settings by affecting their conduct, attitudes, and beliefs, as well as how

other people see and react to them. People must be self-aware, empathic, and

skillful in communication, negotiation, and dispute resolution in order to

successfully engage with others. According to Goffman (1959), social contact has

a significant role in the development and expression of an individual's identity. By

social contact, people gain knowledge of cultural norms, values, and expectations,

which influences how they create a social persona or mask. For instance,

researchers discovered that participants in a study of young people' social

interactions participated in impression management, modifying their conduct and

conversation to convey a desired persona to others. (Garcia & Archer, 2012).

Social interactions can also influence the kind and manner of one's persona. For

instance, peer criticism and social comparison had an impact on the vocabulary

and tone of the postings made by teenagers in a study on their online identities.

(Lapidot-Lefler & Barak, 2012). The authenticity of one's persona can also be

impacted through social encounters. According to studies, people sometimes alter

or hide parts of who they really are in reaction to social cues, which causes a

mismatch between their genuine selves and their social masks or personas.

(Schlenker, 1980).

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

A person's self-image is the mental representation of who they are,

including their beliefs, attitudes, and values. Persona, on the other hand, describes

how a person portrays themselves to others. These two ideas are connected since

a person's self-image may affect how they create their identity. For instance, if a

person has a favorable view of themselves, they may present themselves to others

with assurance and assertiveness. On the other hand, if someone has a poor

perception of themselves, they could come out as more restrained or self-

conscious. In the end, a person's persona and sense of self can affect their

prospects, relationships, and general wellbeing. The desire to maintain a positive

self-image is a fundamental aspect of human nature, and it can be a driving force

behind the creation and maintenance of different personas in social situations.

Baumeister (1982) argued that individuals have a fundamental need for self-

esteem, which is satisfied through the maintenance of a positive self-image.

Similarly, Goffman (1959) posited that individuals engage in "impression

management" to present themselves in the best possible light to others. While the

desire to maintain a positive self-image can be a powerful motivator for the creation

and maintenance of different personas, it can also lead to feelings of inauthenticity

and internal conflict if the individual perceives that their true self is not aligned with

their presented self. This can create tension and anxiety in social situations, as the

individual may feel pressure to maintain the persona they have created rather than

being able to be their true self. In general, the desire to uphold a favorable self-

image is a crucial component of personal construction and maintenance,

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

especially in social settings where the individual values other people's perceptions.

It's crucial to strike a balance between the demand for authenticity and self-

expression and the need for a good self-image.

One's self-concept is a significant element of persona since it influences

how individuals perceive themselves and act in front of others. It comprises an

individual's opinions, attitudes, and values about themselves, encompassing their

strengths, weaknesses, personality traits, and capabilities, and develops over time

due to various factors like personal experiences, criticism, and social comparison.

Self-concept plays a crucial role in developing and maintaining persona since it

impacts how individuals present themselves and respond to others' feedback.

Cialdini and Goldstein (2004) contend that people seek to create a favorable self-

concept and manage the impressions they make on others, using self-presentation

to validate themselves by garnering recognition and approval from others. In this

way, persona can serve as a means to manage the impressions one creates on

others to maintain a positive self-concept. Dweck (2017) underscores the

importance of a growth mindset in fostering a positive self-concept. A growth

mindset is the belief that one's abilities can be developed through effort and

learning rather than being fixed or innate. This mindset can aid individuals in

cultivating a more flexible and adaptable persona since they are more willing to

take risks and try new things to enhance their self-concept.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY

Research Method

This research strives to comprehend how specific situations and outside

influences impact a person's conduct and how this enables them to develop a

persona. The empirical information in perception analysis is constructed from the

subjective perceptions and experiences of participants. In order to comprehend

the perspectives under research, the individuals who adapt a person will discuss

their experiences throughout the interview.

Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that aims to understand complex

phenomena through the exploration and analysis of non-numerical data, such as

words, images, and observations. Qualitative research refers to research which

focuses on collecting and analyzing words (written or spoken) and textual data,

whereas quantitative research focuses on measurement and testing using

numerical data. Qualitative analysis can also focus on other “softer” data points,

such as body language or visual elements (Jansen, D. & Warren, K., 2020).

Qualitative research focuses on the participants' opinions and perceptions which

can be obtained through in-depth interviews and careful observations.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

When conducting a study, it might be difficult to adequately capture

attitudes, behaviors, personal experiences, and impressions utilizing quantitative

research methodologies. A qualitative method, however, may be more appropriate

since it allows participants to express and explain their feelings, ideas, and

experiences from a specific period of time or event in their own words, facilitating

a more thorough understanding. Participants were asked to share their

experiences in order to collect data on their experiences adopting personas. This

provided answers to questions on how they evaluated the benefits and drawbacks

of engagement as well as their own opinions.

Research Design

Qualitative phenomenological design was used in this study. As posited

by Almeida et al. (2017), qualitative research deals with understanding human

behavior in nature because it studies human behavior and the reasons that govern

it. It captures individual’s meanings, definitions, and descriptions of events. Under

this design, the researchers used phenomenological research tradition to

determine how a person behaves depending on who they are with and where they

are and when one is out of their comfort zone.

Humans are described as "different" due to the variety of experiences we

have on a daily basis, which alters how we perceive some things. At the same

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

time, we find it difficult to communicate our thoughts since doing so could be

interpreted as weakness. Phenomenological research design is a qualitative

research approach that focuses on exploring how individuals experience and make

sense of the world around them. This design aims to understand the essence of a

phenomenon by examining participants' subjective experiences and perspectives.

In this method, in-depth interviews are often used to gather data, which is

then analyzed and interpreted to find recurring themes or patterns that provide light

on the topic under study. Rather than attempting to define or measure the

phenomena, the aim is to acquire a deep and complex knowledge of it via the eyes

of the participants. In general, phenomenological research design aims to

investigate people's actual lived experiences and comprehend the significance

they place on those experiences.

Participants of the Study

The study's subjects were selected by the researchers from Rosario,

Cavite. We have identified fifteen (15) participants—eight (8) females and seven

(7) males—who may or may not be affiliated with the institution. The researchers

did not limit their study to a specific age group or grade level because we believed

that the act of adopting a persona is a behavior that can occur across various ages

and contexts. We believed that researching the phenomena in a broad population

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

would help us better grasp its advantages and disadvantages and perhaps even

help people become more self-aware. Last but not least, it is recognized that the

participants have the necessary experiences and information to answer the

researcher's prepared question.

Sampling Procedure

Non-probability sampling is appropriate for the qualitative study we are

undertaking since participants and respondents must be chosen according to

certain criteria. Non-probability sampling is a strategy that does not use random

selection to choose participants for a research project. Instead, people are chosen

to engage based on factors like availability, accessibility, or inclination to do so.

The researchers will apply a purposive sampling approach to select samples that

have particular qualities, such as being social, engaging with various or different

individuals frequently, and someone who is most likely to adopt a persona while

they are at the peak of their popularity. Additionally, we'll be enlisting fifteen (15)

volunteers from the Rosario, Cavite area who we believe can aid us in achieving

our research goals. They can be chosen among the acquaintances, companions,

or family members of the researcher who are qualified to serve as the study's

subjects.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Research Instrument

Out of the three types of interviews—structured, unstructured, and semi-

structured—the researchers have chosen to use the semi-structured interview

approach. In addition, semi-structured interviews can be used to gather data from

a diverse range of participants, which is important when studying personas

because personas are meant to represent a range of different user types. By using

semi-structured interviews, researchers can gather data from participants with

different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which can help to create

more accurate and useful personas. Unlike a structured interview which has a fixed

set of questions for all participants. All interviews will be performed face to face

and may last up to 30 minutes.

Data Gathering Procedures

The researchers had dedicated significant time, effort, and collaboration to

developing their questionnaire in order to serve its intended respondents. The

survey was created using appropriate questions adapted from related research as

well as individual questions developed by the researchers. The interview will be

conducted face to face in order for both researchers and respondents to gain a

better understanding. The interview included important questions designed to

learn about the respondent's perspectives and experiences with personal

adaptation. These questions concern how they describe themselves as individuals

and who they are when interacting in various circles, as well as the difficulties they

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

face and how they address them. The researcher conducts the interview in the

vicinity of Rosario, Cavite. The researcher explains the significance of the

respondents' responses to the study so that they can answer the questionnaire

fully aware of their responsibility for this subject.

The participants gave their permission before the researchers explained the

study's goals to them. Data for this study was double-checked to make sure it

complied with our standards. The aims of the study were achieved by displaying

the complete range of replies from each participant and describing their experience

and perception of personas using a qualitative interpretation.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Bibliography

Baumeister, R. F. (1982). A self-presentational view of social phenomena.

Psychological Bulletin, 91(1), 3–26. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.91.1.3

Baumeister, R. F. (1986). Identity: Cultural change and the struggle for self. Oxford

University Press.

Boyd, D. (2008). Why youth (heart) social network sites: The role of networked

publics in teenage social life. MacArthur Foundation Series on Digital Learning—

Youth, Identity, and Digital Media Volume, 119-142.

Butler, J. (1990). Gender trouble: Feminism and the subversion of identity.

Routledge.

Carney, D. R., Cuddy, A. J., & Yap, A. J. (2010). Power posing: Brief nonverbal

displays affect neuroendocrine levels and risk tolerance. Psychological Science,

21(10), 1363-1368.

Cialdini, R. B., & Goldstein, N. J. (2004). Social influence: Compliance and

conformity. Annual Review of Psychology, 55, 591–621.

Chen, W. Q., Lin, C. P., Huang, W. H., Cheng, Y. Y., & Chen, Y. H. (2018). The

role of adopting persona in developing creativity and self-awareness in design

education. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 27, 20-33.

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Dweck, C. S. (2017). From needs to goals and representations: Foundations for a

unified theory of motivation, personality, and development. Psychological Review,

124(6), 689–719. https://doi.org/10.1037/rev0000082

Erikson, E. H. (1959). Identity and the life cycle. International Universities Press.

Fombrun, C., & Shanley, M. (1990). What's in a name? Reputation building and

corporate strategy. Academy of Management Journal, 33(2), 233-258.

Garcia-Sanchez, E. (2015). Gender masks: The double bind of masculinity and

femininity in contemporary culture. International Journal of Humanities and Social

Science Research, 3(2), 60-71.

Goffman, E. (1959). The presentation of self in everyday life. Doubleday.

Hall, S. (1980). Encoding/decoding. Culture, media, language, 128-138.

Hearn, A., & Schoenhoff, S. (2016). From celebrity to influencer. A companion to

celebrity. Wiley: London, 194-212.

Huang, Y., Wang, Y., Zeng, L., Yang, H., Song, B., & Chen, J. (2020). Impact of

wearing masks on social interactions during COVID-19. Journal of Applied Social

Psychology, 50(10), 627-634.

Iwasaki, M., & Brown, A. (2014). Qualitative application of the acculturation model

by Schwartz et al.: A sample of Japanese American women. Asian American

Journal of Psychology, 5(4), 325–334. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035949"

A Tradition of Quality Education

 Rosario Institute
Founded 1946

Jung, C. G. (1959). The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious. Princeton,

N.J: Princeton University Press.

LaBelle, O. (2016). Act like yourself: The effect of self-presentation on

interpersonal perceptions and interactions. Unpublished manuscript.

Leary, M. R., Diebels, K. J., & Davisson, E. K. (2006). Psychological buffers

against the impact of contemptuous words: Evidence from a longitudinal study.

European Journal of Social Psychology, 36(2), 179-191.

Munley, P. H. (1975). Erik Erikson's theory of psychosocial development and

vocational behavior. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 22(4), 314–319.

https://doi.org/10.1037/h0076749

Park, B., Quinn, K. A., & Lee, S. (2017). It pays to be warm and competent: How

warmth and competence influence interpersonal judgments. Journal of Applied

Social Psychology, 47(5), 289-301.

Rogers, C. R. (1995). On becoming a person (2nd ed.). Houghton Mifflin (Trade).

Tajfel, H., & Turner, J. C. (1986). The social identity theory of intergroup behavior.

Psychology of Intergroup Relations, 7, 24-58.

A Tradition of Quality Education