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.