title: Authenticity, life satisfaction, and distress: a longitudinal analysis.
abstract: The purpose of the present study was to examine the reciprocal relationships between authenticity and measures of life satisfaction and distress using a 2-wave panel study design. Data were collected from 232 college students attending 2 public universities. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results of the cross-lagged panel analysis indicated that after controlling for temporal stability, initial authenticity (Time 1) predicted later distress and life satisfaction (Time 2). Specifically, higher levels of authenticity at Time 1 were associated with increased life satisfaction and decreased distress at Time 2. Neither distress nor life satisfaction at Time 1 significantly predicted authenticity at Time 2. However, the relationship between Time 1 distress and Time 2 authenticity was not significantly different from the relationship between Time 1 authenticity and Time 2 distress. Results are discussed in light of humanistic-existential theories and the empirical research on well-being.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Louisiana Tech University.
authors.forename: Güler
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Boyraz
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Louisiana Tech University.
authors.forename: J Brandon
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Waits
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Louisiana Tech University.
authors.forename: Victoria A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Felix
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*; D013334:Students / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014495:Universities; D055815:Young Adult