How to Be True to Yourself as a Young Adult
"A new study published in Personality and Individual Differences explains how living authentically is a product of team effort.
What Is Authenticity?
“In a nutshell, authenticity means being true to oneself,” states psychologist Petra Kipfelsberger of the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland.
Kipfelsberger’s study defined authenticity along three dimensions:
- Self-alienation: This dimension can be illustrated by the subjective experiences of "being out of touch" with oneself or even "not knowing oneself." An individual who has a high level of authenticity typically has a low level of self-alienation.
- Authentic living: Authentic living results from behaving in ways that are true to one’s core self in most situations. A highly authentic individual would be high on this dimension.
- Accepting external influence: This dimension measures the degree to which an individual is driven by and conforms to others’ expectations instead of one’s own values and beliefs. A highly authentic individual usually ranks low on this dimension.
According to Kipfelsberger and her research, an authentic individual is one who strives for an alignment between the inner self (i.e., cognitions, emotions, values, and beliefs) and its outward expression.
Key Findings of Study
- Some authenticity dimensions developed naturally, while others developed through the intervention.
- The intervention increased participants’ levels of authentic living but did not affect self-alienation.
- Acceptance of external influence decreased naturally, but more so with the intervention.
Suggestions for Living Authentically
- Ask yourself about which factor or behaviors of authenticity you are struggling with. It is important to gain awareness by self-reflection that something in your life is not as it could be.
- Differentiate between "should" and "could" thinking. While the "shoulds" might represent norms and others’ expectations, the "coulds" might symbolize your hidden potential or dreams.
Wisdom for 20-Somethings
- People who have crossed their 20s might be able to help other young people develop their authenticity by engaging as coaches—that is, asking them good questions, listening to them, and helping them experiment with different options of authentic living.
- People in their late 20s and beyond might still struggle to be true to themselves, not because they have had too little natural or formal development but rather because authenticity is a lifelong journey."
Read the full article available at Psychology Today!
Reflection:
Do you think you're true to yourself?
*I think I am. I'm doing things that I want to do and not the things others tell me I should. I'm still figuring out things about myself but I think so far I've been true to who I am.*
#Self-reflection #Authenticity #Acceptance #Life
@comfortableNight4463 So interesting! Indeed sometimes we get affected by society's standards or try to fullfil someone's elses expectations. We should always try to follow our own dreams and do whatever makes us happy. On the other hand society should contribute to that by encouraging this bahavior and stop labeling and setting expectations for individuals. Thank you!
@calmDew1576 Well said! We should make sure we are working towards our own goals and interest rather than catering to societal expectations. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
@comfortableNight4463
What an interesting article!
I would like to and hope that I am true to myself.
As a young adult, I am still just trying to find myself and my way in life!
Thanks for the article<3 ✨💛
@innateJoy9602 Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts! Wish you well on your journey of self-discovery.
