Measuring authentic living from internal and external perspectives: A novel measure of self-authenticity

Abstract

Self-authenticity refers to knowing and being oneself despite societal expectations, a concept closely related to values-based therapeutic interventions. Authentic living is currently measured using three validated psychometric scales; however these have limitations including issues with length, theoretical instability, and lack of measurement invariance testing. The present study sought to develop a novel measure of self-authenticity to resolve these limitations, and to provide further empirical evidence as to the structure of self-authenticity. Using a large sample, split into two subsamples, the novel Self-Authenticity Measure (SAM) was developed and found to be reliable. We present evidence of convergent and concurrent validity, as well as a degree of incremental validity over one of the previously developed authenticity scales. Furthermore, construct validity and (configural) measurement invariance were demonstrated through confirmatory factor analysis. Thus, though the measure was initially developed for use with sexual-minority groups, it appears to function similarly in a heterosexual sample. Self-authenticity correlated with constructs related to psychological flexibility, suggesting that therapeutic techniques based on valued living could increase self-authenticity in individuals. The SAM affords researchers the opportunity to measure self-authenticity from internal (knowing and being oneself) and external (being oneself around others) perspectives. Further testing of measurement invariance is recommended.