A first test of the personal growth process model: autonomy as related to authenticity and unconditional positive self-regard via the partial mediation of self-awareness

Personal growth entails different processes of well-being development, such as changes in one’s sense of self. In this cross-sectional study we aim to test the self-relevant aspects of the personal growth process (PGP) model. Per the PGP, higher authenticity and unconditional positive self-regard (UPSR) are aspects of a positive sense of self, which serves the well-being of the individual, and that their association with autonomy is contingent on self-awareness. We evaluated such moderation and mediation by self-awareness within a sample of n = 314 students and n = 319 working adults (N = 633; Mage = 31.16 years, SD = 12.37; 60.8% women) in a cross-sectional survey study. Results indicate that self-awareness added a significant proportion of variance explained (Cohen’s h = 0.12–0.23, p < 0.001), but self-awareness’ associative strength with UPSR/authenticity was comparable to autonomy (β = 0.26–0.42, p < 0.001). Additionally, only 21–25% of the total effect on UPSR/authenticity was explained by a mediated effect of self-awareness on autonomy (βindirect = 0.10–0.14, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the practical significance of self-awareness was less than expected; therefore, when promoting a positive sense of self, both autonomy and self-awareness should be supported.