Authenticity

OBJECTIVES
• To understand the concept of authenticity.
• To know what it means to live authentically.
• To understand authenticity & authentic self in
psychology research
• To make out the importance of being
authentic.
• To know how to be authentic.
• The concept is still debated today, but psychologists Michael
Kernis and Brian Goldman developed an Authenticity
Inventory in 2000 comprised of four key factors:
• 1. Self-awareness: Knowledge of and trust in one's own
motives, emotions, preferences, and abilities.
• 2. Unbiased processing: Clarity in evaluating your strengths
and your weaknesses without denial or blame.
• 3. Behavior: Acting in ways congruent with your own values
and needs, even at the risk of criticism or rejection.
• 4. Relational orientation: Close relationships, which
inherently require openness and honesty.
• In psychology, authenticity is more than
merely trying to be ourselves; it requires us to
know and own who we are (Joseph, 2019).
• Yet, how we balance authenticity and
wellbeing throughout our lives and among the
multiple roles we play brings challenges.
 What Is Living an Authentic Life?

• How we perceive our authenticity is a crucial

aspect of who we are. Not only does it
significantly influence the pleasure we derive
from our experiences, but it also affects our
judgment and behavior across all aspects of
our life (Newman, 2018).
• Even young children are aware of the
importance of authenticity, learning to
treasure originals more than copies from an
early age (Newman, 2018). In later life,
authenticity greatly affects our sense of the
value of expensive and everyday objects such
designer watches, specialty coffees, and
chipped mugs.
• Learning to live authentically is about
understanding what it means to be real.
• In Authentic: How to Be Yourself and Why It
Matters, Stephen Joseph (2019) suggests that
despite authenticity being natural, realizing
our needs while considering others is not easy.
• How and why do we stop being ourselves and
being authentic?
• Carl Rogers (1963), one of the most renowned
humanistic psychologists, believed that being
motivated toward fulfillment and self-
actualization is a normal and natural human
urge, yet it can be blocked when our needs go
unsatisfied.
• People will do all they must to survive. This
affects behavior and how we perceive the world
and the people around us. Those who have their
needs met through positive, nurturing
environments flourish.
• Humans’ natural tendency is to strive to become
more authentic, developing in the direction
necessary to reach their full potential, like plants
growing toward the light (Joseph, 2019).
• We do not teach babies to be authentic; they
simply are. They have no facade and are
entirely in touch with who they are inside.
When hungry, they cry; when their needs are
met, they stop. Yet, as self-awareness
develops (beginning at 18 months), so too
does their sense of who they are, and their
narrative starts to develop (Joseph, 2019).
• The authentic parent ensures that their child’s needs
are met. The developing child is free to choose their
path, experience a sense of belonging, and develop
and realize their potential.
• In reality, love is often conditional. As children, we
are shown more love and affection when we
perform well, win the race, and ace a test. We learn
that there are things we must do to feel an increased
sense of belonging and love.
• This can push us toward lifelong inauthentic living.
• As Joseph (2019) reminds us, isn’t it true that
for much of our adult lives, we put on a show?
During the day, we may experience only
fleeting moments where we are truly
ourselves, saying and thinking exactly how we
feel.
• The person living authentically exists
“moment by moment, striving to understand
themselves, their motivation, defenses, and
conditions of worth, while being aware of
their responsibilities and choices” (Joseph,
2019). An authentic life involves following
one’s passion and being intimately connected
to our natural abilities, strengths, and talents.
 Authenticity & Authentic Self in
Psychology Research

• Over the last couple of decades, there has been

some fascinating research behind the factors
impacting authenticity and its effect on how we
live.
• Life’s impermanence and uncertainty may actually
increase authentic living (Martin, Campbell, &
Henry, 2004). For some, the realizations that death
is ultimately unavoidable, values are subjective,
and the universe holds no clear objectives can be
wake-up calls that lead to more authenticity.
• Modern technology, so intrusive and intimately
connected to all aspects of contemporary
existence, can also impact authentic living. As
wearable technology continues to revolutionize
the health, wellness, and sports sectors,
providing previously unknowable biometric
information to the general population, they
offer (sometimes doubtful) promises to
enhance users’ lives.
• It seems that while authenticity may have
personal value and add meaning to our lives,
we may also wish to be seen as authentic to
gain social benefit.
• Indeed, self-esteem occurs when our true self
– motives, values, feelings, and self-perception
– operates unobstructed in our everyday lives
(Leary, 2003).
• Authenticity or even being perceived as
authentic may provide positive benefits to our
view of our worth and abilities, and increase
self-respect.
 Importance of Authenticity
• Authenticity and living a complete and fulfilling life
are processes rather than outcomes. Living
authentically involves moving in a direction that is
most authentic to us as individuals.
• Adopting an eudaimonic orientation, fully
developing our potentials, and
experiencing meaning in life and a deep
enjoyment or happiness include seeking
authenticity, excellence, and personal growth
(Huta, 2015).
Such a person is more likely to engage in the following
positive, intrinsically motivated, and socially aware activities
(Joseph, 2019):
• Volunteering
• Donating time and money to charitable causes
• Engaging in positive community enterprises
• Expressing gratitude
• Being mindful
• Engaging in challenging activities
• Expressing our essential selves to provide meaning and
purpose in our lives
• Such a lifestyle has several benefits to
wellbeing, even at a cellular level, including
improved antiviral responses (Fredrickson et
al., 2013).
• “Authenticity is central to eudaimonia” and
gives rise to a flourishing life where we pursue
“goals that are more intrinsically motivating to
us and mak[e] the most of our talents and
abilities” (Joseph, 2019).
 How to Be Your Authentic Self

• We can engage in several practices and

activities to be more authentic while
encouraging a balance between what is going
on inwardly and what we express outwardly.
• In the long term, putting on an inauthentic
front is tiring and ultimately damaging to our
mental and physical wellbeing.
• Joseph (2019) summarizes what is needed
with the following formula and goals:
• “Know yourself + Own yourself + Be yourself =
the Authentic Life”
• Become more aware of what is happening in your body. Having
a tense neck or shoulders may be linked to what is going on in
your mind, feelings, thoughts, and difficult decisions.

• Know yourself, what you are good at, what you are prepared to
do, and what you are not. Face up to the truths of who you
are. Honesty is not always pleasant, but it has the potential to
free you.

• Listen to your inner voice rather than losing it in the noise of

others’. Make it an ongoing process to listen to your hopes,
dreams, and fears.
• Own yourself and your truths. Don’t let others push
you into their way of thinking, but also don’t stick to
views when you are proved wrong or they no longer
work for you. Take responsibility for your choices.

• Be yourself; be honest and transparent in your

dealings. People like and are drawn to those they
perceive as sincere and genuine and distrust those
who are not.
• Joseph (2019) suggests asking yourself the following
questions:
• Do you feel free to make your own choices?
• Do you feel free to express your own views and
opinions?
• Do you feel you can be yourself on a day-to-day basis?
• If you answer “no” to any of the questions, reflect on
one further question:
• Could it be that you are not being true to who you are?
Thank You