Dispositional authenticity and romantic relationship functioning

The present study investigates the extent to which dispositional authenticity is associated with dating couples’ relationship behaviors and outcomes as well as their personal well-being. Sixty two heterosexual couples completed a measure of dispositional authenticity (Kernis & Goldman, 2006), as well as measures of relationship behaviors (e.g., accommodation, self-disclosure, and trust), relationship outcomes, and well-being. Results revealed that authenticity was related to engaging in healthy relationship behaviors, which in turn predicted positive relationship outcomes and greater personal well-being. Interestingly, men’s authenticity predicted women’s relationship behaviors, but women’s dispositional authenticity was not associated with men’s relationship behaviors. The implications of dispositional authenticity and the contribution of gender roles are discussed.