Self-expression can be authentic or inauthentic, with differential outcomes for well-being: Development of the authentic and inauthentic expression scale (AIES)

Abstract

Being oneself in interpersonal relationships has many benefits, but research has yet to distinguish between (intrapersonal) feelings of authenticity and (interpersonal) authentic behaviors. Four studies developed and tested a scale designed to measure two types of self-expression: authentic and inauthentic. Findings consistently validated a two-factor structure: there were two distinct forms of expressing oneself, authentic and inauthentic. Findings consistently demonstrated that authentic expression was associated with positive need satisfaction and well-being outcomes, while inauthentic expression was associated with less autonomy satisfaction and greater negative affect. While authentic expression had consistent positive effects, inauthentic expression was more nuanced, suggesting it may not be wholly negative.