Is the Illusion of Authenticity Beneficial? Merely Perceiving Decisions as Guided by the True Self Enhances Decision Satisfaction Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • Many people endorse a true-self-as-guide (TSAG) lay theory of decision-making that suggests following ones true self is an optimal strategy for making decisions. Across five studies ( N = 1,320), we test whether perceived use of the true self enhances decision satisfaction. Study 1 provides correlational evidence. Studies 2 and 3 provide experimental evidence that participants felt more satisfied with choices made under TSAG instructions, compared to alternate strategies. Critically, we argue that perceived use of the true self enhances decision satisfaction regardless of whether consulting the true self actually influences the decision made. Studies 4 and 5 find evidence in support of this perceptual mechanism. This research provides insight into one way by which people find satisfaction amid lifes uncertainty, extending existing research on the role of the concept of true selves in positive functioning.

published proceedings

  • SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE

altmetric score

  • 5.25

author list (cited authors)

  • Kim, J., Christy, A. G., Rivera, G. N., Hicks, J. A., & Schlegel, R. J.

citation count

  • 5

complete list of authors

  • Kim, Jinhyung||Christy, Andrew G||Rivera, Grace N||Hicks, Joshua A||Schlegel, Rebecca J

publication date

  • January 2021