Impression management refers to the concept that people engaged in interaction will attempt to control the image of themselves that others form. This provides a foundation for social interaction, giving others information about who we are and what to expect from us. A central concern of impression management is the manner in which we are evaluated by others, i.e., if they react toward us as we intend our self-presentation has been successful. Social anxieties (e.g., stagefright, shyness, embarrassment) are tied to impression management because the fundamental concern in all these problems stems from the prospect of evaluation from others. Within this fundamental similarity, however, the bases for social anxiety may differ according to social setting, and according to whether a predicament which makes us look bad has actually occurred or whether we just fear it might. A combination of high motivation to make a "good impression" and a perceived likelihood of failure creates the fundamental stress of social anxiety. Impression management also emphasizes that social anxiety is produced by an interaction of situational and personal characteristics; this suggests that there is no one specific treatment for all victims of social anxiety, but that a variety and combination of treatment modalities (e.g., cognitive therapy, or social skills training) should be used, as required, for each individual. (WAS)