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The Authentic Self Is the Self-Enhancing Self: A Self-Enhancement Framework of Authenticity
Corey L Guenther1, Yiyue Zhang2, Constantine Sedikides3
1Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|April 1, 2023
Summary
People
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Authenticity involves aligning behavior with one's true self.
- The concept of the 'true self' is often viewed positively, with individuals tending towards self-enhancement.
- Self-enhancement involves exaggerating strengths and minimizing weaknesses, leading to a positively biased self-view.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and test a self-enhancement framework of authenticity.
- To investigate the reciprocal relationship between self-enhancement and authenticity.
- To explore the connection between these constructs and psychological well-being.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional and experimental studies were conducted.
- Trait and state measures of self-enhancement and authenticity were utilized.
- Manipulations of self-enhancement and authenticity were employed.
Main Results:
- Trait self-enhancement positively correlated with trait authenticity.
- Daily variations in self-enhancement mirrored changes in state authenticity.
- Experimental increases in self-enhancement boosted state authenticity.
- Experimental increases in authenticity enhanced self-enhancement.
- Both constructs were linked to meaning in life and thriving.
Conclusions:
- A reciprocal relationship exists between self-enhancement and authenticity.
- The self-enhancing self is largely the authentic self.
- Authenticity and self-enhancement contribute to psychological well-being, including meaning in life and thriving.
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