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Positive-More than unbiased-Self-perceptions increase subjective authenticity.

Erica R Bailey1, Sheena S Iyengar2

  • 1Department of Management of Organizations, Haas School of Business, University of California, Berkeley.

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Summary
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Feeling overly positive about yourself can paradoxically increase your sense of authenticity. This research shows that positive self-perceptions, not unbiased ones, lead to feeling more real.

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Self-Perception

Background:

  • Authenticity is commonly defined by terms like "real," "genuine," and "true," implying an unbiased self-perception.
  • However, individuals frequently exhibit a positivity bias, viewing themselves more favorably than is objectively accurate.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether experiencing a positive self-view, rather than an unbiased one, enhances feelings of authenticity.
  • To explore the relationship between self-beliefs, self-expressions, and perceived authenticity.

Main Methods:

  • Seven studies involving 1,795 participants were conducted.
  • Two methods were used to measure self-rated authenticity: attributed and state authenticity.
  • Studies examined authenticity derived from positive self-beliefs, personality assessments, and self-expressions.

Main Results:

  • Authenticity was found to emerge from positive self-beliefs, personality assessments, and self-expressions.
  • The effects were linked to positive selves and mediated by identity centrality, not solely positivity.
  • A positivity bias in self-presentation did not increase other-rated authenticity; overly positive presentations appeared less authentic to others.

Conclusions:

  • Positive self-illusions, or being "unreal," can paradoxically foster a stronger sense of personal authenticity.
  • The findings challenge the notion that authenticity requires purely objective self-perception, highlighting the role of positive self-views.