Helmes, Edward, and Holden, Ronald R. (2003) The construct of social desirability: one or two dimensions? Personality and Individual Differences, 34 (6). pp. 1015-1023.

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Abstract

The construct of social desirability continues to be controversial, even though it was introduced over 50 years ago. Recent work has emphasized two dimensions of social desirability: self-deception and impression management. Other research has continued to regard social desirability as a unitary construct. Here we test the one- and two-dimensional models of social desirability within a nomological network of related psychological constructs. Results of a preliminary factor analysis of the responses of 202 university undergraduates were ambiguous in that both one- and two-dimensional solutions were plausible. There was even some support for a three-dimensional structure. The results in all solutions, however, did not correspond to the expected distinction of self-deception from impression management. Further theoretical developments and improved measurement instruments are clearly required.

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