The “Authentic Self” as a Predictor of Emerging Adulthood in Students

Abstract

This article explores the role of “authentic Self” in the developmental processes of students aged 18—33 years. The study involved 320 undergraduate and graduate students of Russian universities. The following aspects were measured: the reflexive assessment of the “authentic Self” and “adult Self” (using the author’s technique), the existential life fulfillment (“Existential Motivation Test”, EMT), the socio-psychological adaptation and maturity (“Social and Psychological Adaptation Questionnaire”, SPA).The outcomes of the study demonstrate that the emotional experience of emerging adulthood is associated with one becoming aware of a combination of characteristics of adulthood (the adoption of responsibility and independence, the achievement of stable employment and stable interpersonal relationships) and the authentic being of personality (relativity and personal involvement in the process of life).We also found that the degree of the students’ reflection of the “authentic Self” acts as a predictor of optimistic assessment of the existential life fulfillment and achievement of socio-psychological maturity.