Role of Basic Values and Locus of Control in The Individual’s Sense of Authenticity

In Western culture people suffer from poor authenticity, but being authentic in daily life is positively linked to well-being in the future and this link is one-directional. The study aims to understand locus of control and value dimension influence on authenticity by using regression analyses. In accordance with previous studies, the locus of control affects an individual’s sense of authenticity. Results of this study show, that internal locus of control and self-transcendence value dimension positively but self-enhancement value dimension negatively influence authentic living; external locus of control and self-enhancement value dimension positively but self-transcendence value dimension negatively influence self-alienation; and self-enhancement and conservation value dimensions positively but openness to change value dimension negatively influence accepting external influence. The locus of control has no effect on accepting external influence. In addition, this study shows the effect of two value dimensions on two authenticity indicators: high self-enhancement and low self-transcendence value dimensions influence higher levels of self-alienation, which negatively affects the sense of authenticity. The opposite in the hierarchy of these values – high self-transcendence and low self-enhancement value dimensions create higher rates of authentic living, which positively influences feelings of authenticity. Self-alienation and accepting external influence are negatively related to authentic living. Environment plays a significant role.