Is Authenticity Perceptible? Accuracy in Judgments of State Authenticity From Expressive Behavior

Substantial research provides evidence that being perceived as authentic benefits well-being and relationships, but under-examined is whether perceptions of authenticity are accurate. Across five studies, we tested whether perceivers can accurately discern others' state authenticity. In Studies 1 to 3, we investigated correspondence between perceived and felt authenticity within acquainted dyads. Romantic partners accurately discerned each other's authenticity after making sacrifices (Study 1) and after discussing a topic of personal distress and desired partner change (Study 2). However, partners failed to accurately perceive each other's felt authenticity when discussing relationship conflict (Study 3), possibly impacted by cognitive or motivational processes elicited by the relatively high interpersonal stakes at play in conflict. In Studies 4A and 4B, outside observers were sensitive to authenticity differences in participants from Study 3 when watching thin-slice videos of the conflict conversations. Overall, we discuss the importance of authenticity for impression formation and close relationships.