State authenticity and interpersonal dominance and affiliation in daily life

Self-determination theory (SDT) suggests that state authenticity occurs in social interactions conducive to autonomy and affiliation. However, few studies have investigated associations between state authenticity and interpersonal context. Using methods from contemporary integrative interpersonal theory, we investigated state authenticity during social interactions as rated on smartphone surveys by a large community sample of adults (N = 493; 21,299 observations). Results from multilevel structural equation models showed that higher state authenticity was associated with higher ratings of one’s own dominance, affiliation, and positive affect, and lower negative affect. Also, higher state authenticity was associated with higher ratings of others’ affiliation and positive affect, lower dominance and negative affect, and higher interpersonal complementarity. Associations between authenticity and interpersonal characteristics held when controlling for affect. Results support SDT that state authenticity is associated with social situations in which the individual’s agency and affiliation are complemented by others’ submissive and affiliative behavior.