Authenticity reflects acting in accord with one’s values, preferences, and needs as opposed to acting merely to please others or to attain rewards or avoid punishments.
Moreover, authenticity is not reflected in a compulsion to be one’s true self, but rather in the free and natural expression of one’s core feelings, motives, and inclinations in the environmental contexts one encounters.
Relational authenticity involves an active process of self-disclosure and the development of mutual intimacy and trust so that intimates will see one’s true self-aspects, both good and bad.
Authenticity is related to healthy psychological functioning and positive subjective well-being.