Individuals considered authentic are those who strive to align their actions with their core values and beliefs with the hope of discovering, and then acting in sync with, their true selves. When people act in ways that violate their self-concept , they may experience negative feelings, ranging from mild discomfort to heavy guilt .
What Is Authenticity?
There is debate over whether people actually possess an innate self and need to uncover it, or whether the true self is flexible and determined by the choices people make throughout their lives. Defining and measuring the characteristic has proven challenging, but ongoing research aims to pin down the components of authenticity and discover its connections to self-esteem , goal-achievement, coping skills, and an array of other psychological benefits.
The concept is still debated today, but psychologists Michael Kernis and Brian Goldman developed an Authenticity Inventory in 2000 comprised of four key factors:
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Self-awareness: Knowledge of and trust in one's own motives, emotions, preferences, and abilities.
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Unbiased processing: Clarity in evaluating your strengths and your weaknesses without denial or blame.
Explore More About Authenticity
For a comprehensive understanding of authenticity, read our complete guide: