Uniwersyteckie Czasopisma NaukoweNavigating the path to authenticity: identity processes across various life domains
Słowa kluczowe:
identity, in-depth exploration, authenticity, self-alienation, identity commitmentAbstrakt
Background:
Authenticity, characterized by internal coherence, fidelity to oneself, and resistance to external influences, may be considered as one of the consequences of resolution of identity dilemmas. This study investigated the identity-based underpinnings of authenticity, examining potential differences across life domains where individuals construct their identities.
Participants and procedure:
A sample of 562 individuals aged 18-36 years (M = 28.10 years, SD = 4.91; 52.5% female) completed the Polish version of the Authenticity Scale (assessing authentic living, accepting external influence, and self-alienation) and the Utrecht Management of Identity Commitment Scale (evaluating identity commitment, in-depth exploration, and reconsideration of commitment) in four identity domains: character/personality traits, relationships with friends and acquaintances, aims and plans for the future, and worldview. The structural modelling approach was used to picture the relationships between these variables.
Results:
Identity commitment emerged as a significant positive predictor of authentic living, while reconsideration of commitment was associated with lower levels of authentic living. Interestingly, the double-edged nature of in-depth exploration was also confirmed: while positively associated with well-being, it was negatively associated with authentic living in most identity domains, while promoting self-alienation and accepting external influence.
Conclusions:
The findings underscore the importance of identity processes unfolding in different life spheres for the cultivation of authenticity. The results are discussed in the context of various identity domains.
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