True Self Research Articles

A Film Review of Mates: Expanding Perspectives on Sexuality Exploration

ABSTRACT Mates, an independent British gay drama by Arno Crous, released in August 2023. The film explores the emotional intricacies of romantic and sexual discovery within the LGBTQ+ community. The film follows Connor (played by James Wiles), a man grappling with delayed self-acceptance as he navigates romantic advances from another man. Through its portrayal of Connor’s struggles to articulate his identity, the movie reflects broader societal challenges, including homophobia, microaggressions, and the lack of safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals. It highlights the emotional toll of societal rejection and the courage required to embrace one’s true self. A pivotal scene underscores the delayed “adolescence” experienced by many LGBTQ+ individuals, marked by confusion, pretending, and isolation, as they explore their sexuality later in life. This film may provide crucial insights like the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments, advocating for LGBTQ+ protections, and promoting awareness through education. Furthermore, addressing homophobia and fostering peer support networks can help mitigate societal biases. Lastly, the film serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience within the LGBTQ+ community and the ongoing need for comprehensive support systems to facilitate acceptance, empathy, and inclusion.

Navigating Suffering and Acceptance: The Transgender Experience in Living Smile Vidya’s I Am Vidya

Living Smile Vidya’s I Am Vidya offers a raw and moving portrayal of the transgender experience, particularly focusing on the themes of suffering and acceptance. The autobiography highlights Vidya’s journey of confronting societal stigma, rejection, and personal struggle as she navigates life as a transgender woman in India. From early experiences of confusion and alienation to her eventual decision to undergo gender reassignment surgery, Vidya grapples with deep emotional and physical suffering. However, the narrative also reflects the complexity of self-acceptance—not just of her transgender identity but of the broader implications of living authentically in a world hostile to such expressions. Vidya’s story is not merely one of victimhood; it is also about her resilience, her fight for dignity, and her embrace of her true self. The title itself, I Am Vidya, serves as an affirmation of her identity and an act of defiance against the forces that seek to deny her existence. The text delves into the challenges faced by transgender individuals in Indian society, from legal hurdles to social alienation, along with portrayal of the inner transformation that comes with self-acceptance. Vidya's journey is one of painful endurance but ultimately culminates in personal liberation and empowerment. By embracing her identity, Vidya finds strength and fulfillment, transforming suffering into a source of empowerment. The autobiography becomes a powerful testament to the transgender community’s resilience and the universal search for self-acceptance and dignity.

Navigating Anxiety through Defense Mechanisms: A Truthist Perspective on Human Ignorance and Awareness.

In a world where the pursuit of truth is paramount, this article explores the intricate relationship between human ignorance, anxiety, and the defense mechanisms employed to cope with these existential challenges. Methods. Through a comprehensive analysis, the study delves into the origins of these defense mechanisms, illustrating how they serve as barriers to self-awareness and personal growth. Results. The findings suggest that the innate human tendency to evade uncomfortable realities fosters a cycle of ignorance and anxiety, ultimately hindering individual development. By recognizing and confronting these defense mechanisms, individuals can cultivate a deeper understanding of their true selves and navigate the complexities of life with greater resilience and authenticity. Discussion. This article contributes to the discourse on psychological resilience, offering insights for mental health professionals, educators, and individuals seeking to embrace truth as a pathway to personal liberation and growth.

“Encouraged to be Your True Self”: An Interpretative Phenomenological Study of Medical Students’ Experiences of Role Models in Shaping Sexual Minority Identity in Medical School

Phenomenon: Sexual and gender minority (SGM) identifying individuals experience worse health outcomes compared to non-SGM identifying counterparts. Representation of SGM individuals within medical schools may improve the delivery of more equitable healthcare through reducing biases and normalizing SGM presence within healthcare spaces. Approach: Our initial aim was to explore the extent to which role models may influence personal SGM identities within medical schools in the United Kingdom, using an interpretative phenomenological approach. This methodology allowed us to develop meaning from, and give voice to participants’ relationship with their bespoke experiences, respecting differing narratives within the broad ‘SGM’ umbrella, rather than attempting to establish commonalities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five medical students and three medical school faculty within three medical schools, who identified as SGM. Due to a lack of gender minority identifying participants, we unfortunately could not adequately speak to their experiences, and therefore narrowed our eventual focus to sexual minority (SM) individuals. Findings: The developed themes followed a cyclical process of: (1) role model identification; (2) role model selection, influenced by matched wider identities including generation, hierarchy and power; (3) trait assimilation, particularly where identity deficits were perceived; and (4) identity projection, where students used role models to both emulate comfortable SM identity projection, and become advocatory role models themselves. Throughout, participants described role models as multifaceted in their direction (vertical and horizontal), influence (positive and negative) and locus of effect (as individuals, and as part of a collective). Unexpectedly, identity, power, and hierarchy-matching meant peer-to-peer role modeling was often experienced more positively than vertical faculty-to-student role modeling. However, as expected, heteronormativity exerted an inhibitory effect on this process. Insights: We built upon existing social cognitive paradigms to develop a ‘double-funnel’ model to represent how social contexts can map onto individual SM identities and vice versa, mediated by role models. The triangulation of these three aspects in relation to medical education presents novel understandings to the field. Greater explicit institutional support of student-led SM societies, and facilitation of the presence and discussion of SM symbols and personal identities within professional spaces, may go a long way in redefining ‘normativity’ in medical schools.

A Lacanian Gaze into Jhumpa Lahiri’s The Namesake

The Namesake, published by Jhumpa Lahiri in 2003, illustrates the cultural and social identity issues of two generations of an Indian-American family, who struggle to adjust between two different cultures. As a second-generation son, Gogol, the protagonist of the novel, is trapped between these two cultures and experiences an identity crisis. In the journey of discovering his true self, Gogol has conflicts with his Indian roots along with the American society he has been raised in. He was named after his father’s favourite Russian author. His biggest conflict, however, starts with the dilemma he experiences with his own name. To deal with his identity crisis, he tries to leave his roots behind and embraces his American side. However, this attempt will not be a solution to the crisis he feels deep down inside of him. In this respect, this study aims to explore the journey of the protagonist’s identity construction in the context of Lacanian Psychoanalysis. In order to portray the identity development process of the protagonist, Gogol is analysed in relation to the three Orders of Lacan: the Imaginary, the Symbolic, and the Real. Regarding the protagonist's experience of these three Orders, Gogol is seen to be a Lacanian infant, who is in pursuit of his lost object of desire called object petit a to sustain the intimate connection with his true self.

Exploring the role of leisure behaviour in finding identity for Chinese diasporic people: looking through the lens of music

ABSTRACT Identity has both personal and social facets, shaped by authentically answering ‘who I am’. Individual authenticity involves living according to one’s principles, values, and beliefs, influenced by self-awareness, independence, social connections, and reason. Philosophers such as Descartes and Aristotle have contributed to this concept, focusing on human awareness and eudaimonia, respectively. Existentialists like Sartre emphasise personal choice and self-definition, underscoring the role of authentic actions and decisions in shaping identity. Beyond individual authenticity, identity is also socially constructed. Social identity complements individual authenticity as individuals integrate their social roles with their personal self. Leisure activities, including music, offer opportunities for self-exploration, empowerment, and expression, allowing individuals to connect with their true selves while engaging with society. This paper explores how leisure shapes the identity of the Chinese diaspora through the first author’s music performance experiences in New Zealand. It explains how leisure activities facilitate cultural communication and identity expression through Chinese traditional music. Using an autoethnographic approach, it highlights how music helps Chinese diasporic individuals express their identity and navigate the complexities of dual or multiple identities within communities. These identities go beyond Chinese and diaspora communities, prompting individuals to balance their true self with multiple identities.

The Etiology and Treatments of Narcissistic Personality Disorder: A Systematic Review

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is considered a very complex mental health disorder influenced by different genetic, neurobiological, and environmental factors. Neurobiologically, abnormalities in brain regions within the prefrontal cortex and limbic system contribute to difficulties in emotional regulation and empathy. The environmental factor easily predisposing them to it comes in the form of childhood trauma or over-spoiling by parents. NPD is often comorbid with other personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder, which makes the diagnosis even more complex. The treatments of NPD include psychodynamic therapy, in particular, transference-focused psychotherapy, cognitive-behavior techniques such as schema therapy, and the newest, which includes mentalization-based treatment. There also is the enormous challenge of engaging patients with NPD in therapy, given the typical features of resistance, such as grandiosity and ignorance of the true self. Because of this, future research on NPD, especially early intervention and elaboration, has become the expected and focused direction.

Third places and national contexts among Generation Z in a mobile game: Quantitatively examining third place characteristics and well-being of players from Brazil, China, and the United States

Youth online engagement and well-being are especially important in emerging countries, but they tend to be understudied. Rather, the existing research tends to be more on the United States. This study examined third place theory of virtual spaces on individual-level well-being among the Generation Z from Brazil and China, especially comparing them to their U.S. counterparts. Well-being, both related to realizing your full potential and lowering psychopathology, is relevant to youth engagement in online spaces, because the spaces can help the youth express their true selves and engage in supportive online communities. The participants were players of a mobile video game whose three months of pre-survey gameplay data and survey data (N = 986) were analyzed. We compared countries on several third place characteristics, on well-being, and how the third place characteristics predicted well-being. We found that players from the three countries were significantly different in several third place characteristics (i.e., neutral ground, leveler, and conversation). Well-being was also higher among the Chinese players. Moreover, the leveler characteristic–commonality of game levels among players and their in-game friends–significantly predicted well-being. These findings from a mobile game help better understand youth online perceptions and behaviors in different countries, correlates to well-being, and contribute to the theory development of virtual third places and digital public spheres.

‘Help me be myself’—How identity-specific support promotes LGBTQ+ employees’ authenticity via basic need satisfaction

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals continue to struggle to be their true selves at work. Therefore, effective workplace support is required to enable LGBTQ+ employees to feel authentic—both for their own good and to unlock their full potential for organizations. While research has amply demonstrated the benefits of general workplace support, we lack an understanding of identity-specific support (e.g. related to ‘coming out’). To advance social support theory with an identity lens, we examine the associations of LGBTQ+ support from supervisors, colleagues, and LGBTQ+ employee resource group (ERG) members as well as LGBTQ+-supportive organizational practices with authenticity. Additionally, we investigate basic need satisfaction as a mechanism proposed by self-determination theory. Based on 952 responses from 47 countries, we find that LGBTQ+ support from colleagues and supervisors is more strongly associated with authenticity than organizational practices and support from ERG members. Further, basic need satisfaction mediates these relationships. We extend social support theory toward identity specificity by tailoring social support to LGBTQ+ employees and delineating how strongly such support from identity-specific and -agnostic support sources is associated with authenticity. Our findings are a call to action for human resource management to encourage LGBTQ+ support across the workforce.

Pinning down state authenticity: defining and validating a state authenticity measure

ABSTRACT The experience of feeling authentic (“state authenticity”) is both common and consequential, yet research remains hampered by operational disparities. Specifically, the continued reliance on unvalidated, ad-hoc measures challenges the validity and generalizability of empirical findings. We address these concerns by reviewing past literature and validating a State Authenticity Scale (“SAS”) in six empirical studies. In Studies 1a and 1b (n = 494), we develop and iteratively refine this scale. Study 2 (n = 390) then confirms the factor structure. Study 3 demonstrates experimental validity using a paradigmatic state authenticity induction (n = 586). Finally, Studies 4a (n = 349) and 4b (n = 360) clarify methodological confusion, benchmarking the reliability of the SAS against a face-valid “true self” authenticity measure representative of past research. Our research suggests that the SAS will enhance the reliability and reproducibility of future research on this elusive psychological construct.

Conversations with a Blank Canvas

Isa L. Levy’s ‘Conversations with a Blank Canvas’ is a poignant memoir tracing the author’s journey of self-discovery through the intertwined lenses of art and psychotherapy. Levy, an arts psychotherapist, chronicles her life’s evolution from a fragmented existence to an authentic self, revealing how creative expression can heal and transform. The memoir explores the author’s struggle to overcome societal constraints and embrace her true self, symbolised by her prolific artistic output and culminating in her signature painting, ‘The Female Resurrection’. Levy’s insights into the therapeutic potential of art, coupled with her reflections on cultural and historical contexts, offer a compelling narrative of personal growth and resilience.

Laughter permitted. Andrey Astvatsaturov

The article examines the prose of the Saint-Petersburg-based philologist and writer A. Astvatsaturov: in focus are its key motifs, images, and archetypes. E. Shcheglova points out that without any risk of missing an important insight into the protagonist’s psyche, a reader is free to disregard the books’ chronological order — their protagonist remains the same, be it in the inaugural People in the Nude [Lyudi v golom] (2009), or in the latest Don’t Feed or Touch the Pelicans [Ne kormite i ne trogayte pelikanov] (2019), or the two novels published in between, Skunkamera [Skunskamera] (2010) and Autumn in My Pockets [Osen v karmanakh] (2015). The image of the protagonist — a world-weary, fickle, and spoilt descendant of generations of intellectuals — becomes the principal subject of Shcheglova’s study. Her analysis of Astvatsaturov’s writings seeks to detect when the image directly corresponds to the narrator’s true self, and when it is merely a disguise. While recognizing the masterful execution of the novels, Shcheglova nevertheless remarks on their facetiousness and lack of variety — inevitable consequences of the writer’s known fondness for the genre of anekdot.

Mga Bukang Liwayway

Bukang Liwayway is a visual art and text-based story that reflects women's experiences and is anchored in indigenous beliefs and Filipino culture. Images of eyes, waves, and boats demonstrate that our identity stems from the journey over the ocean, which is inextricably linked to the current existence of migrant workers. The eye, often known as the infinite god, represents the modern character of feminism, which is cognizant of the truth. Texts based on indigenous beliefs, such as ceremonies and orations, demonstrate significant faith in the contemporary fusion of faiths. Spirituality is inherent in women; it is no secret that until now, the strong power of nature associated with women has been evident. The equal acceptance of strength and weakness is a way to return women to their true self, strength, and power.

대학생 셀프리더십 강화를 위한 문학 독서 교육 방안 : 『데미안』, 『싯다르타』를 중심으로

Today’s college students are required to set self-directed goals and execute them, making self-leadership an essential competency. This study explores the potential of literature reading education in fostering this capability. To this end, the concept of self-leadership is examined, exploring its importance and meaning for college students. Hermann Hesse’s『Demian』and『Siddhartha』 were analyzed to discuss how the narratives in these two works are connected to the self-leadership that students need to develop. The protagonists in these two works by Hesse delve deeply into their inner worlds, discover their true selves, and proactively lead their lives. This journey can serve as a significant guide for students in cultivating selfmotivation and self-efficacy, ultimately growing into independent beings. Moreover, literature reading education goes beyond merely reading books or understanding content; it brings forth literature’s reflective value, applying it to life and providing opportunities to establish self-leadership through literary experiences.

우울감을 호소하는 노인의 모래놀이치료 사례연구

Carl Jung (C.G.Jung) said that the task in old age after middle age is to listen to one’ s inner voice and accept death as a process of completing oneself. In this study, a 72-year-old woman complaining of depression due to feelings of guilt for not taking good care of her children in an economically poor and poor environment was able to hear her own voice echoing from within in a free and protected space and a stable sandbox. After listening to it, you get to know your own life. The old man recognized and accepted the current situation and tried to resolve his attitude and acceptance toward his future life through the rite of passage process of pain, death, and rebirth in sand play. During the process of making the sandbox, the client embodied the thrill from her heart into the sandbox with her hands. In order to mediate depression in old age by reorganizing past experiences and discovering the meaning and transformation of perception of life that can positively accept various changes in old age, the important developmental tasks that must be performed in old age are divided into three stages. showed it The three starting tasks are: the first is to find one’ s true self and become free; the second is to identify the dark side of oneself. An unconscious aspect of yourself that you don’ t want to accept as part of. It is a task to meet them one by one, accept them as part of oneself, mature oneself, and move forward on the path to self-realization. Thirdly, in old age, it is to prepare for death, which is a task for the future. As in this case, when looking at human development from a life-long developmental perspective that continues from birth until death, old age is one of the overall development stages of a human being, and the therapist helps the client with the important tasks that must be performed as an elderly person. It is clearly shown as a stage of completing the end of life by demonstrating mother and son’ s unity with each other.

영재고를 졸업한 대학생의 내러티브 정체성에 관한 연구

This study discussed the essence of the psychological conflict the university students who graduated from science gifted high school and the experiences in the process of building their identity and the direction of psychological support for them. The gifted have a heavy burden of achievement. And the prejudice from others makes them lonely. And the discourse of the gifted in our society pushes them into an excessive competitive situation. The gifted are likely to lose their true self and reinforce their false self. Therefore they need the others who can accept them as beings rather than achievements and listen to the inner truth beyond the frame of the gifted. We should also encourage them beyond socio-cultural discourse. When the value of horizontal diversity is prioritized over vertical superiority and inferiority, they will be able to enjoy their own life while giving back the gifts from God.

중년여성의 연금술적 변화과정에 대한 모래놀이치료 사례연구

This study reveals that a 43-year-old woman, emerging from suppression of feelings and inner conflicts, recovers motherhood and realizes the true self through an individuation process. The purpose of this study is to understand that self-emergence and self-integration processes during sandplay therapy are connected to the flow of Jung's alchemical transformation process. Sandplay therapy was conducted over a total of 29 sessions, 50 minutes per session, on a weekly basis during the period of 12 months. The therapist provided the client with a free, protected space to ensure that the client can feel she is accepted and understood, look back on her previous life, and release her suppressed and projected negative elements out of her mind. The sandplay therapy was analyzed by dividing it into three stages based on Jung's alchemical transformation process: nigredo, albedo, and rubedo. The client's alchemical work in respective sand trays includes the following processes: first, taking off her persona in confrontation with shadows and facing negative elements, second, integrating Anima and Animus through inner purification, third, beginning to engage in individuation through the free, creative self realization. The middle-aged woman in this case study shows a remarkable rebirth of self by recovering motherhood through the death of immature ego, the endurance of pains with an insight into shadows, and self-strengthening. This case study is significant in that it shows a middle-aged woman's individuation process in connection with Jung's alchemical transformation process.

Bisexual Identity Concealment for Marital Harmony: Cultural and Religious Pressures in Malaysia

This study investigates the concealment of bisexual identity among married men in Malaysia, a country where homosexuality is both stigmatized and criminalized under Syariah law. The problem lies in the immense cultural, religious, and legal pressures that compel these men to hide their sexual orientation, leading to significant emotional and psychological challenges. The primary objective of this research is to explore how these men manage their bisexual identities while maintaining marital harmony within a conservative, heteronormative society. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 15 self-identified bisexual men married to heterosexual women. The data were analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings reveal that societal expectations, fear of divorce, and family reputation are key factors influencing their decision to hide their sexual orientation. Participants reported high levels of anxiety, guilt, and isolation due to the dual pressure of performing heteronormativity in public while concealing their true selves in private. This study contributes to understanding the challenges faced by bisexual men in mixed-orientation marriages in Malaysia, particularly the psychological toll of maintaining secrecy. The implications underscore the need for culturally sensitive mental health services and policy reforms to provide adequate support for bisexual individuals. Such interventions are critical to reducing stigma and promoting emotional well-being in conservative societies.

영재고를 졸업한 대학생의 내러티브 정체성에 관한 연구

This study discussed the essence of the psychological conflict the university students who graduated from science gifted high school and the experiences in the process of building their identity and the direction of psychological support for them. The gifted have a heavy burden of achievement. And the prejudice from others makes them lonely. And the discourse of the gifted in our society pushes them into an excessive competitive situation. The gifted are likely to lose their true self and reinforce their false self. Therefore they need the others who can accept them as beings rather than achievements and listen to the inner truth beyond the frame of the gifted. We should also encourage them beyond socio-cultural discourse. When the value of horizontal diversity is prioritized over vertical superiority and inferiority, they will be able to enjoy their own life while giving back the gifts from God.

Navigating Workplace Stigma: Examining the Relationship between Power, Authenticity and Religious Coping among employees in Industrial Sectors

Power dynamics, authenticity, religious coping, and workplace stigma within a socio-economic context in Punjab, Pakistan are explored. The research uses a mix methods design of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data from 350 professionals, from across different professions. Using quantitative analysis, we found there is a significant negative correlation between power dynamics and authenticity (r = -0.57, p < 0.01), meaning that the more power imbalance individuals experience, the less likely they are to display their true selves in their work environment. In addition, religious coping was shown to mediate the relationship between power dynamics and authenticity (? = 0.42, p < 0.01) suggesting that the use of religious practices can help those to maintain authenticity in the workplace. Second, religious coping was positively correlated with psychological well-being (r = 0.60, p <. 01), even among professionals who reported experiencing workplace stigma. Finally, qualitative findings further explained the protective nature of religious coping, showing how it allows individuals to cope with power hierarchies and to reduce stigma related stress. The need to create authentic workplaces and the impact of religious coping strategies on employee wellbeing are emphasized in this study. Organizations can thus create supportive atmospheres where professionals feel comfortable expressing themselves authentically while accessing psychological resilience by addressing power dynamics and stigma in the workplace.