Image Restoration Strategies

-William Bennoit

DENIAL

Simple denial- deny the act or the actors involvement.

Shift the Blame- Apply the guilt to someone else.

Evading Responsibility

Provocation-(scapegoating) the act was provoked.

Defeasibility- Lack of information or control.

Accident- It's not my fault (traffic, alarm clock, sick).

Good Intention- Thought the act would help.

Reducing Offensiveness of Event

Bolstering- Relate positive activities of the rhetor.

Minimization- The act is not as bad as it appears.

Differentiation- Distinguish the act from less desirable acts.

Transcendence- Place the act in a different context.

Attack Accuser- Attack accuser/s credibility.

Compensation- Offer remuneration to the victim (bribe).

Corrective Action- Restore to original state.

Mortification - admit guilt and ask for forgiveness.