Psychology of Authenticity and the Self

Vocabulary practice flashcards reviewing core concepts, definitions, and psychological perspectives on authenticity, existentialism, and self-constructs from the lecture.

Positive Illusions

Excessively positive perceptions of the self that can be adaptive in early childhood and boost situational performance, but pose risks if not anchored in reality and self-awareness.

Narcissism

A personality profile associated with making favorable initial first impressions due to an excessively positive sense of self that is not grounded in reality.

Angst

In existential psychology, the state of anxiety that arises over meaning, or the lack thereof, when individuals wrestle with why they are here and what they should do with their lives.

Bad Faith

The existentialist alternative to authenticity, occurring when an individual avoids existential questions and chooses to live according to external standards, expectations, and mindsets set by society, religion, or popular culture.

Authenticity (Existential Perspective)

Living a life that is honest, insightful, and moral, grounded in the acceptance of reality and the recognition that humans are communal beings who cannot achieve optimal development by harming or exploiting others.

Authenticity (Curtis and Bolton Definition)

The unobstructed operation and expression of one's true self, which entails resisting external pressures and not conforming to the expectations of others.

Trait Authenticity

The conceptualization and measurement of authenticity as an enduring individual characteristic, assessed through ratings of specific behavioral indicators across time.

State Authenticity

The situational feeling or subjective momentary experience of being authentic, measured by evaluating how true to oneself an individual feels at any given point in time.

Balanced Authenticity

A concept identified in collectivist contexts characterized by healthy expressions of both agency and communion—remaining true to oneself while considering relationships and adapting without sacrificing personal needs.

Nonself (Buddhist Concept)

The philosophical concept that holding an attachment to an enduring idea or construct of the self becomes restrictive and limiting over time.

Self-Transcendence

According to Abraham Maslow, an advanced psychological state involving overcoming the ego or committing oneself to an external cause, which requires self-actualization as a necessary prerequisite.