Exploring the Link Between Competence, Relatedness, and Authenticity: An Existential Social Work Approach

Abstract

This study examines the simultaneous relationships among competence, relatedness and authenticity among young adults in Turkey. Using Existential Social Work (ESW) as a theoretical framework, which emphasizes the importance of psychological need satisfaction in fostering authentic living, the study investigates how competence and relatedness simultaneously predict authenticity. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed using data collected from 310 participants aged 18–28. Results demonstrate that competence and relatedness simultaneously predict authenticity positively and significantly, collectively explaining 32% of the total variance. Both competence and relatedness indicate moderately positive associations with authenticity. Additionally, the study reveals a strong positive correlation between competence and relatedness. The current study contributes to the empirical literature on psychological need satisfaction and authenticity from an existential social work perspective. These findings have important implications for clinical social work practice, suggesting that interventions targeting the enhancement of competence and the development of meaningful relationships could be effective strategies for promoting authentic living. The study emphasizes the importance of integrated clinical social work approaches that address multiple dimensions of psychological need satisfaction in fostering authenticity and overall psychological well-being.