Becoming your true self: Perceptions of authenticity across the lifespan. Issue 3 (4th May 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Seto, Elizabeth; Schlegel, Rebecca J.
• Is Part Of: Self and identity. Volume 17:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 310
• Page End: 326
• Publication Date: 2018-05-04
• Subjects: Authenticity -- true self -- self-enhancement -- end of the history illusion -- time; Self -- Periodicals; Identity (Psychology) -- Periodicals; Cognition -- Periodicals; Motivation (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2017.1322530
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1529-8868

Abstract

Abstract: Two studies investigated how authenticity is believed to change over time. We tested for two possible trajectories: (1) A simple positive linear progression driven by self-enhancement motives and (2) a linear progression followed by a plateau indicative of the end of the history illusion. Across both studies, participants completed measures of perceived authenticity for different points in their lives. Study 1 was over a relatively short period of time. Study 2 was over the course of the lifespan. Both studies revealed upward linear trends suggesting that participants believe they are becoming more authentic over time. Study 2 also revealed that people perceive particularly high rates of change in the recent past and near future. The preponderance of evidence favored the self-enhancement perspective.