First impression (psychology)
Encyclopedia
In psychology
, a first impression is the event when one person first encounters another person and forms a mental image
of that person. It can sometimes form an accurate representation of the person, depending on the observer and the person being observed.
literature...where "first impressions" exhibit the strength and truth of the heart's immediate and intuitive response'. Pride and Prejudice
has been seen as a 'glancing blow aimed at the conventions of the sentimental novel' - at the "prejudices" inherent in the casual adoption of first impressions.
As 'a novel in which the adage "first impressions are lasting impressions" proves a test rather than a truth', it charts the movement 'from first impressions and prejudice, to reflections and revisions'.
It takes just 5 seconds for us to judge someone and make our first impression.
First impressions, however, don't always stay around. If you have a bad first date, for instance it may be due to nerves or stress.
: 'this smaller and shorter pathway allows the amygdala to receive some direct inputs from the senses and start a response before they are fully registered by the neo-cortex'.
Research has shown that 'in the first few milliseconds of our perceiving something we not only unconsciously comprehend what it is, but decide whether we like it or not: the "cognitive unconscious"'.
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
, a first impression is the event when one person first encounters another person and forms a mental image
Mental image
A mental image is an experience that, on most occasions, significantly resembles the experience of perceiving some object, event, or scene, but occurs when the relevant object, event, or scene is not actually present to the senses...
of that person. It can sometimes form an accurate representation of the person, depending on the observer and the person being observed.
Precursors
'The phrase "first impressions" comes directly from the terminology of sentimentalSentimentality
Sentimentality originally indicated the reliance on feelings as a guide to truth, but current usage defines it as an appeal to shallow, uncomplicated emotions at the expense of reason....
literature...where "first impressions" exhibit the strength and truth of the heart's immediate and intuitive response'. Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen, first published in 1813. The story follows the main character Elizabeth Bennet as she deals with issues of manners, upbringing, morality, education and marriage in the society of the landed gentry of early 19th-century England...
has been seen as a 'glancing blow aimed at the conventions of the sentimental novel' - at the "prejudices" inherent in the casual adoption of first impressions.
As 'a novel in which the adage "first impressions are lasting impressions" proves a test rather than a truth', it charts the movement 'from first impressions and prejudice, to reflections and revisions'.
Social processing
'First impressions are lasting impressions', and although sometimes misleading, 'research shows that in many situations, our impressions of other people can be quite accurate'. Only in more serious situations is 'going beyond first impressions to seek greater accuracy in person perception sometimes important'.It takes just 5 seconds for us to judge someone and make our first impression.
First impressions, however, don't always stay around. If you have a bad first date, for instance it may be due to nerves or stress.
Amygdala
Brain circuitry allows a by-passing of the neo-cortex by way of the so-called amygdala hijackAmygdala hijack
Amygdala hijack is a term coined by Daniel Goleman in his 1996 book Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Drawing on the work of Joseph E...
: 'this smaller and shorter pathway allows the amygdala to receive some direct inputs from the senses and start a response before they are fully registered by the neo-cortex'.
Research has shown that 'in the first few milliseconds of our perceiving something we not only unconsciously comprehend what it is, but decide whether we like it or not: the "cognitive unconscious"'.