Positive—More Than Unbiased—Self-Perceptions Increase Subjective Authenticity

Authenticity is often described using terms like “real”, “genuine”, and “true” suggesting that unbiased and objective self-perception is a core component of the construct. However, people tend to view themselves in an overly positive way. Therefore, we propose that experiencing a positive self—vs. an unbiased self—will increase authenticity. We find support for this in seven studies (Ntotal=1,795) with two operationalizations of self-rated authenticity: attributed and state authenticity. We find that authenticity emerges from positive self-beliefs (Study 1), positive personality assessments (Study 2), and positive self-expressions (Study 3a-3b). Further, we find that these effects are not driven only by positivity, but positive selves (Study 4), and mediated by the identity centrality (Study 5). Finally, Study 6 finds that this positivity bias does not extend to other-rated authenticity: people who present an overly positive self seem less authentic to others relative to a mixed or negative self-presentation. Taken together, these findings suggest that being “unreal” through positive self-illusions can, paradoxically, make one feel more real.