Impressions of Goodness, Powerfulness, and Liveliness from Discerned Social Events

This study focuses on how events change impressions of goodness, powerfulness, and liveliness. Empirical equations for predicting such changes are derived by analyzing data on 70 event descriptions. Some findings of earlier studies are replicated. Additionally, a structural model is presented showing how the goodness, powerfulness, and liveliness of participants and of behaviors interrelate during the process of impression formation. The new equations are applied analytically to a discussion of how people's identities and behaviors influence assessments of interaction outcomes.