Trait authenticity and state authenticity
Trait authenticity and state authenticity
The construct of authenticity has garnered considerable interest among both laypersons and psychological scientists. In this chapter, we delineate two distinct forms of authenticity: trait and state authenticity. Trait authenticity refers to a relatively stable, dispositional tendency to experience and express alignment with one’s perceived true self across time and contexts. In contrast, state authenticity denotes a more transient, situational experience of congruence with the avowed true self in a specific moment or context. We examine the conceptual underpinnings and psychological content of both authenticity forms, and analyze their respective nomological networks, with particular attention to associated psychological benefits. Further, we investigate the interplay between trait authenticity and state authenticity, with the aim of establishing their discriminant validity. We conclude by addressing unresolved questions and proposing directions for future research.
authenticity, trait authenticity, state authenticity, psychological benefits, discriminant validity, self-concept
Sedikides, Constantine
9d45e66d-75bb-44de-87d7-21fd553812c2
Sedikides, Constantine
9d45e66d-75bb-44de-87d7-21fd553812c2
Sedikides, Constantine
(2025)
Trait authenticity and state authenticity.
In,
Robinson, Michael, Pringle, Todd and Wilkowski, Benjamin
(eds.)
Handbook of Personality Processes: Momentary, Daily, Developmental, and Generational Perspectives.
Edward Elgar Publishing.
(In Press)
Record type:
Book Section
Abstract
The construct of authenticity has garnered considerable interest among both laypersons and psychological scientists. In this chapter, we delineate two distinct forms of authenticity: trait and state authenticity. Trait authenticity refers to a relatively stable, dispositional tendency to experience and express alignment with one’s perceived true self across time and contexts. In contrast, state authenticity denotes a more transient, situational experience of congruence with the avowed true self in a specific moment or context. We examine the conceptual underpinnings and psychological content of both authenticity forms, and analyze their respective nomological networks, with particular attention to associated psychological benefits. Further, we investigate the interplay between trait authenticity and state authenticity, with the aim of establishing their discriminant validity. We conclude by addressing unresolved questions and proposing directions for future research.
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Accepted/In Press date: 14 July 2025
Keywords:
authenticity, trait authenticity, state authenticity, psychological benefits, discriminant validity, self-concept
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 504363
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/504363
PURE UUID: c32b2d73-8ca9-42c9-a39f-cf5845165dbc
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Date deposited: 08 Sep 2025 16:45
Last modified: 09 Sep 2025 01:37
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Contributors
Editor:
Michael Robinson
Editor:
Todd Pringle
Editor:
Benjamin Wilkowski
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