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How does "being real" feel? The experience of state authenticity
Alison P Lenton1, Martin Bruder, Letitia Slabu
1Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9JZ, United Kingdom. a.lenton@ed.ac.uk
Journal of Personality
|July 21, 2012
Summary
People are motivated to experience state authenticity, which is distinct from trait authenticity. These authentic experiences are common and influence mood, regardless of one's inherent trait authenticity.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Self-Perception
Background:
- Authenticity is often conceptualized as a stable personality trait.
- However, the subjective, moment-to-moment experience of being one's true self (state authenticity) may be distinct.
- Understanding state authenticity is crucial for a comprehensive view of the self.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate state authenticity from trait authenticity.
- To investigate the motivations behind experiencing state authenticity.
- To explore the phenomenological characteristics and consequences of state authenticity.
Main Methods:
- Three studies involving 465 participants were conducted.
- Methods included surveys on the frequency and motivation of authentic/inauthentic experiences.
- Qualitative narrative analysis of participants' descriptions of authenticity and inauthenticity was employed.
Main Results:
- Participants are motivated to experience state authenticity and avoid inauthenticity.
- These experiences are common and occur independently of trait authenticity levels.
- Reflecting on state authenticity was linked to positive mood and nostalgia.
Conclusions:
- State authenticity is a valuable construct, separate from trait authenticity.
- The findings have implications for understanding the dynamic nature of the self.
- Future research can explore the role of state authenticity in well-being.
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