The self-discrepancy theory states that individuals compare their “actual” self to internalized standards or the “ideal/ought self”. Inconsistencies between “actual”, “ideal” and “ought” are associated with emotional discomforts. Self-discrepancy is the gap between two of these self-representations that leads to negative emotions. Developed by Edward Tory Higgins in 1987, the theory provides a platform for. Ideal Self is what you want to become in your aspirations/ dreams. Actual Self is as of now who you are. Being actual Self you strive for the ideal Self. All the very best! This means that self-actualization occurs when a person’s “ ideal self ” (i.e., who they would like to be) is congruent with their actual behavior (self-image). Rogers describes an individual who is actualizing as a fully functioning person. The main determinant of whether we will become self-actualized.
The self-discrepancy theory states that individuals compare their “actual” self to internalized standards or the “ideal/ought self”. Inconsistencies between “actual”, “ideal” (idealized version of yourself created from life experiences) and “ought” (who persons feel they should be or should become) are associated with emotional discomforts (e.g., fear, threat, restlessness). Self-discrepancy is the gap between two of these self-representations that leads to negative emotions.
Developed by Edward Tory Higgins in 1987, the theory provides a platform for understanding how different types of discrepancies between representations of the self are related to different kinds of emotional vulnerabilities. Higgins sought to illustrate that internal disagreement causes emotional and psychological turmoil. There were several previous theories proving this concept such as the self-inconsistency theory,[1] the cognitive dissonance theory,[2] and the imbalance theory (e.g., Heider, 1958); however, Higgins wanted to take it one step further by determining the specific emotions that surfaced as a result of these internal disagreements. Previous self-imbalance theories had recognized only positive or negative emotions. The self-discrepancy theory was the first to assign specific emotions and affects to the disparity.
The theory proposes how a variety of self-discrepancies represents a variety of types of negative psychological situations that are associated with different kinds of discomfort.[3] A primary goal of the self-discrepancy theory is to create an understanding of which types of contrasting ideas will cause such individuals to feel different kinds of negative emotions.[3]
The structure of the theory was built based on three ideas. First classify the different kinds of discomfort felt by those people holding contrasting ideals experienced, as well as the various types of emotional vulnerabilities felt by the different types of discrepancies. Lastly, to consider the role of the different discrepancies in influencing the kind and type of discomfort individuals are most likely to experience.
Domains of the self[edit]
The theory postulates three basic domains of the self:
Actual[edit]
Actual self is your representation of the attributes that you believe you actually possess, or that you believe others believe you possess.[4] The 'actual self' is a person's basic self-concept. It is one's perception of their own attributes (intelligence, athleticism, attractiveness, etc.).
Ideal[edit]
Ideal self is your representation of the attributes that someone (yourself or another) would like you, ideally, to possess (i.e., a representation of someone's hopes, aspirations, or wishes for you).[4] The 'ideal-self' is what usually motivates individuals to change, improve and achieve.
The ideal self-regulatory system focuses on the presence or absence of positive outcomes (e.g., love provided or withdrawn).[5]
Ought[edit]
Ought is your representation of the attributes that someone (yourself or another) believes you should or ought to possess (i.e., a representation of someone's sense of your duty, obligations, or responsibilities).[4]
The ought self-regulatory system focuses on the presence or absence of negative outcomes (e.g., criticism administered or suspended).[5]
Standpoints of the self[edit]
Self-discrepancy theory initiates the importance of considering two different standpoints (or vantage points) in which 'the self' is perceived. A standpoint on the self is defined as 'a point of view from which you can be judged that reflects a set of attitudes or values.'
Own[edit]
An individual's own personal standpoint.
Other[edit]
The standpoint of some significant other.[4] Significant others may comprise parents, siblings, spouses, or friends. The 'other' standpoint is what the self perceives their significant other's standpoint to be.
Except for theories focusing on the actual self, previous theories of the self had not systematically considered the different domain of self in terms of the different standpoints on those domains.[4] These two constructs provide the basis from which discrepancies arise; that is, when certain domains of the self are at odds with one another, individuals experience particular emotional affects (ex: one's beliefs concerning the attributes one would personally like ideally to possess versus your beliefs concerning the attributes that some significant other person, such as your mother, would like you ideally to possess).
Discrepancies[edit]
Discrepancies create two major types of negative physiological situations: absence of positive outcomes, which is associated with dejection-related emotions, and the presence of negative outcomes which is associated with agitation-related emotions.
| Actual | Ideal | Ought | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Own | Self-Concept | Self-Guide | Self-Guide |
| Other | Self-Concept | Self-Guide | Self-Guide |
Self-concept[edit]
Actual/own vs. actual/other[edit]
These self-state representations are the basic self-concept (from either or both standpoints). Discrepancies between own self-concept, and other self-concept can be described as an identity crisis, which often occurs during adolescence.[3] Guilt is a characteristic result of discrepancy from the own perspective. Shame is a characteristic result of discrepancy from the other perspective.
Self-guide[edit]
Actual/own vs. ideal/own[edit]
In this discrepancy, a person's view of their actual attributes does not match the ideal attributes they hope to develop. Discrepancy between these self-guides is characterized by dejection-related emotions such as disappointment and dissatisfaction. Actual/ideal discrepancies are associated with low self-esteem[6] and characterized by the threat of absence of positive outcomes. Specifically, an individual is predicted to be vulnerable to disappointment or dissatisfaction because these emotions are associated with people believing that their personal wishes have been unfulfilled. These emotions have been described as being associated with the individuals' own standpoint and a discrepancy from his or her hope, desire, or ideals. The motivational nature of this discrepancy also suggests that it could be associated with frustration because of these unfulfilled desires. Emotions such as blameworthiness, feeling no interest in things, and not feeling effective was also associated with this discrepancy. In addition, this discrepancy is also associated with dejection from perceived lack of effectiveness or self-fulfillment.[4] This discrepancy is uniquely associated with depression.[4]
Actual/own vs. ideal/other[edit]
Here, one's view of their actual attributes does not match the ideal attributes their significant other hopes or wishes for them. The ideal self-guide is characterized by the absence of positive outcomes, and accompanied by dejection-related emotions. More specifically, because one believes that they have failed to obtain some significant other's hopes or wishes are likely to believe that the significant other is disappointed and dissatisfied with them. In turn, individuals will be vulnerable to shame, embarrassment, or feeling downcast, because these emotions are associated with people believing that they have lost standing or esteem in the eyes of others. Analysis of shame and related emotions have been described as being associated with the standpoint of one or more other people and discrepancies from achievement and/or status standards. Other analyses describe shame as being associated with concern over losing the affection or esteem of others. When people have a sense of the difference between their actual self and their social ideal self, an individual will experience feelings of shame and unworthiness. Shame that is often experienced when there is a failure to meet a significant other's goals or wishes involves loss of face and presumed exposure to the dissatisfaction of others.[4] Feeling lack of pride, lack of feeling sure of self and goals, feeling lonely, feeling blue, and feeling not interested in things was also associated with this discrepancy. This discrepancy is associated with dejection from perceived or anticipated loss of social affection or esteem.[4]
Actual/own vs. ought/other[edit]
This discrepancy exists when a person's own standpoint does not match what they believe a significant other considers to be his or her duty or obligation to attain. Agitation-related emotions are associated with this discrepancy and results in the presence of negative outcomes. More specifically, because violation of prescribed duties and obligations is associated with punishment, this particular discrepancy represents the presence of negative outcomes. The individual experiencing this discrepancy will have an expectation of punishment; therefore, the person is predicted to be vulnerable to fear and feeling threatened, because these emotions occur when danger or harm is anticipated or impending. Analyses of such emotions have described them as being associated with the standpoint of one or more other people and discrepancy from norms or moral standards. The motivational nature of this discrepancy suggests that one might experience feelings of resentment. The feeling of resentment arises from the anticipated pain to be inflicted by others. The person might also experience anxiety because of apprehension over negative responses from others. This discrepancy is associated with agitation from fear and threat.[4] In addition, it is also associated with agitation from self-criticism.[4] Social anxiety is uniquely associated with this discrepancy.[4]
Actual/own vs. ought/own[edit]
A discrepancy between these self-guides occurs when one's view of their actual attributes do not meet the expectations of what they think they ought to possess. This discrepancy is associated with the presence of negative outcomes and is characterized by agitation-related emotions such as self-dissatisfaction. An individual predicts a readiness for self-punishment. The person is predicted to be vulnerable to guilt, self-contempt, and uneasiness, because these particular feelings occur when people believe they have transgressed a personally legitimate and accepted moral standard. Analysis of guilt have described it as associated with a person's own standpoint and a discrepancy from his or her sense of morality or justice. The motivational nature of this discrepancy suggests associations with feelings of moral worthlessness or weakness.[4] Transgression of one's own internalized moral standards has been associated with guilt and self-criticism because when people attribute failure to a lack of sufficient effort on their part, they experience feelings of guilt.[4]
Ideal vs. ought[edit]
Ideal self and ought self act as self guides with which the actual self aspires to be aligned. The ideal self represents hopes and wishes, whereas the ought self is determined through obligation and sense of duty. In terms of the ideal or ought discrepancy and specific to self-regulatory approach vs. avoidance behaviors, the ideal domain is predisposed to approach behavior and the ought domain is predisposed to avoidance behavior.[5]
Another domain of self[edit]
In 1999 Charles Carver and associates made a new amendment to the theory by adding the domain of feared self.[7] Unlike the self guides proposed by Higgins which imply an actual or desired (better) self, the feared self is a domain that measures what one does not desire to be. In many cases, this may have a different level of influence in terms of priority on the self than previous domains and self-guides. It is human nature to avoid negative affect before approaching positives.
Availability and accessibility of self-discrepancies[edit]
Beliefs that are incongruent are cognitive constructs and can vary in both their availability and accessibility. In order to establish which types of discrepancies an individual holds and which are likely to be active and produce their associated emotions at any point, the availability and accessibility of self-discrepancies must be distinguished.[4]
Availability[edit]
The availability of a self-discrepancy depends on the extent to which the attributes of the two conflicted self-state representations diverge for the person in question. Each attribute in one of the self-state representations (actual/own) is compared to each attribute in the other self-state representation (ideal/own). Each pair of attributes is either a match or a mismatch.[4] The larger variance between the number of matches and the number of nonmatches (i.e., the greater the divergence of attributes between the two self-state representations), the larger the magnitude of that type of self-discrepancy that is available. Furthermore, the greater the magnitude of a particular discrepancy produces more intense feelings of discomfort accompanying the discrepancy when activated.[4]
The availability of the self-discrepancy is not enough to influence emotions. In order to do so, the self-discrepancy must also be activated. The variable that influences the probability of activation is its accessibility.[8]
Accessibility[edit]
The accessibility of a self-discrepancy depends on the same factors that determine the accessibility of any stored construct. One factor is how recently the construct has been activated. The more often a construct is activated, the more likely it will be used later on to understand social events. The accessibility or likelihood of activation, of a stored construct also depends on the relation between its 'meaning' and the properties of the stimulus event. A stored construct will not be used to interpret an event unless it is applicable to the event. Thus the negative psychological situation represented in a self-discrepancy (i.e. the 'meaning' of the discrepancy) will not be activated by an explicitly positive event. In sum, the accessibility of self-discrepancy is determined by its recency of activation, its frequency of activation, and its applicability to the stimulus event.[4] The theory posits that the greater the accessibility of a self-discrepancy, the more powerfully the person will experience the emotion accompanying that discrepancy.[8]
The theory does not propose that individuals are aware of the accessibility or availability of their self-discrepancies. However, it is obvious that both the availability and accessibility can influence social information processing automatically and without awareness.[4] Thus, self-discrepancy theory simulates that the available and accessible negative psychological situations embodied in one's self-discrepancies can be used to provide meaning to events without being aware of either the discrepancies or their impact on processing. The measure of self-discrepancies requires only that one be able to retrieve attributes of specific self-state representations when asked to do so. It does not require that one be aware of the relations among these attributes of their significance.[4]
Self-discrepancy theory hypothesizes that the greater the magnitude of a particular type of self-discrepancy possessed by a person, the more strongly the person will experience the emotion associated with that type of discrepancy.[4]
Application and use[edit]
Self-discrepancy theory becomes applicable when addressing some of the psychological problems individuals face with undesired self-image. The theory has been applied to psychological problems faced by college students compromising their career choice,[9] understanding clinically depressed students,[10] eating disorders, mental health and depression in chronically ill women[11][12] and even developing self-confidence in athletes.[13] Self-Discrepancy Theory inherently provides a means to systematically lessen negative affect associated with self-discrepancies by reducing the discrepancies between the self domains in conflict of one another (Higgins, 1987). Not only has it been applied to psychological health, but also to other research and understanding to human emotions such as shame and guilt.[14] The self-guided pressure society and ourselves induce throw an individual into turmoil. The theory finds many of its uses geared toward mental health, anxiety, and depression. Understanding what emotions are being aroused and the reasoning is important to reinstate psychological health.
Procrastination[edit]
Studies have correlated the theory and procrastination. Specifically, discrepancies in the actual/ought domain from the own perspective, are the strongest predictor of procrastination.[15] Avoidance is the common theme. The actual/ought self-regulatory system responds through avoidance. Procrastinators also have an avoidance relationship with their goals.
Depression[edit]
Depression is associated with conflict between a person's perceived actual self, and some standard, goal or aspiration. An actual/ought discrepancy triggers agitated depression (characterized by feelings of guilt, apprehension, anxiety or fear). An actual/ideal discrepancy triggers dejected depression (characterized by feelings of failure, disappointment, devaluation or shame).
Emotions[edit]
Higgins measured how individuals experienced self-discrepancies by having individuals reminisce and remember about 'negative events or personal self-guides, including hopes, goals, duties, and obligations, and measure what will help increase the kind of discomfort that the individual experiences.[4] The study found the 'absence of an actual/own and ideal/own discrepancy' is associated with the emotions 'happy' and 'satisfied' and the 'absence of an actual/own and ought/other discrepancy' is associated with the emotions 'calm' and 'secure' (p. 336).[4]
New findings[edit]
Since its original conception in 1987, there have been a number of studies that have tested the legitimacy of self-discrepancy theory. Some of their findings do in fact contradict certain aspects of the theory, while another finds further evidence of its validly. These studies give insight into the research that has been done regarding self-discrepancy theory since its original conception in 1987.
Conducted in 1998, “Are Shame and Guilt Related to Distinct Self-Discrepancies? A Test of Higgins’s (1987) Hypotheses”, brought into question the correlations between specific discrepancy and emotional discomforts laid out by self-discrepancy theory. Researches believed that there was no way to tie a unique emotional discomfort to one internal discrepancy, but rather that various internal discrepancies result in a variety of discomforts. The study was carried out and the hypothesis was confirmed based on the results. The findings displayed no evidence suggesting a direct tie between specific discomforts and type of internal discrepancy.[16]
“Self-discrepancies: Measurement and Relation to Various Negative Affective States”, also brought into question the core aspect of self-discrepancy theory – The correlation between specific discrepancies and the emotional discomforts that result. This study went one step further, also testing the validity of two methods used to observe internal discrepancies; “The Selves Questionnaire” or “SQ” along with the “Adjective Rating List” or “ARL”. The study found a strong relationship in results from both methods, speaking to their validly. The results, though, did bring into question the original research done by Higgins, as there were no ties found between specific internal discrepancies and unique emotional discomforts. One of the researchers in this study wrote “Overall, these findings raise significant concerns about the relevance of self-discrepancies as measured by the SQ and ARL and fail to support the main contentions of self-discrepancy theory”.[17]
“Self-discrepancy: Long-term test–retest reliability and test–criterion predictive validity”, published in 2016, tested the long-term validity of self-discrepancy theory. Researchers found evidence to support the long-term validity of the self-discrepancy personality construct along with anxiety and depression having a direct relationship with internal discrepancies.[18]
References[edit]
- ^Higgins, E. Tory; Roney, Christopher J. R.; Crowe, Ellen; Hymes, Charles (1994). 'Ideal versus ought predilections for approach and avoidance distinct self-regulatory systems'. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 66 (2): 276–286. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.66.2.276. ISSN1939-1315. PMID8195986.
- ^Festinger, L. (1957) A theory of cognitive dissonance, Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press[verification needed]
- ^ abcErikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. New York:Norton.
- ^ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwHiggins, E. T. (1987). Self-discrepancy; A theory relating self and affect, Psychological Review, 94, 319–340.
- ^ abcHiggins, E.T., Roney, C.J.R., Crowe, E., Hymes C. (1994). Ideal versus ought predilections for approach and avoidance: Distinct self-regulatory systems, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 66, 276-286.
- ^Wells, L. E. & Marwell, G. (1976) Self-esteem: Its conceptualization and measurement. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
- ^Carver, C.S., Lawrence, J.W., & Scheier, M.F. (1999). Self-Discrepancies and Affect: Introducing the Role of Feared Selves. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 25, 7, 783-792.
- ^ abHiggins, E. T. (1999). Who do self-discrepancies have specific relations to emotions? The second-generation question of Tangney, Niedenthal, Covert, and Barlow (1998). Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77(6), 1313-1317.
- ^Tsaousides, T., & Jome, L. (2008) Perceived career compromise, affect and work-related satisfaction in college students. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 73(2), 185–194.
- ^Scott, L., & O'Hara, M.W. (1993). Self-discrepancies in clinically anxious and depressed university students. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 102, 282–287.
- ^Heidrich, S. M., & Powwattana, A. (2004). Self-Discrepancy and Mental Health in Older Women with Chronic Illnesses. Journal of Adult Development, 11(4), 251-259(9).
- ^Matthews, A., & Lynn, S. (2008). Subclinical bulimia vs. depression in an interpersonal context. Eating Behaviors, 9(4), 509-512.
- ^Beattie, S., Hardy, L., & Woodman, T. (2004). Pre-competition self-confidence: The role of the self. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology. 26(3), 427–441.
- ^Tangney, J.P., Niedenthal, P.M., Vowell, Covert M. and Hill, Barlow D., (1998). Are shame and guilt related to distinct self-discrepancies? A test of Higgin's (1987) hypotheses. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 75, 256–268.
- ^Orellana-Damacela, L.E., Tindale, T.S., & Suarez-Balcazar, Y. (2000). Decisional and behavioral procrastination: How they relate to self-discrepancies. Journal of Social Behavior and Personality, 15, 225–238.
- ^Tangney, June Price; Niedenthal, Paula M.; Covert, Michelle Vowell; Barlow, Deborah Hill (1998). 'Are shame and guilt related to distinct self-discrepancies? A test of Higgins's (1987) hypotheses'. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. 75 (1): 256–268. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.75.1.256. ISSN1939-1315. PMID9686463.
- ^Ozgul, Salih; Heubeck, Bernd; Ward, Jeff; Wilkinson, Ross (2003). 'Self-discrepancies: Measurement and Relation to Various Negative Affective States'. Australian Journal of Psychology. 55 (1): 56–62. doi:10.1080/00049530412331312884. ISSN1742-9536.
- ^Watson, Neill; Bryan, Brandon C.; Thrash, Todd M. (January 2016). 'Self-discrepancy: Long-term test–retest reliability and test–criterion predictive validity'. Psychological Assessment. 28 (1): 59–69. doi:10.1037/pas0000162. ISSN1939-134X. PMID26029943. S2CID40661494.
Further reading[edit]
Actual Self And Ideal Self Are Based From
- Pychyl, Timothy A. (2008-05-22). 'What's Your 'Ought Self' Like?'. Don't Delay. Psychology Today.
- Johnson, Georgette; Snell, William E., Jr. (2002). 'Chapter 15: The impact of measured intelligence and intellectual self perceptions on affective symptoms and self-esteem'. In Snell, William E., Jr. (ed.). Student research in psychology at Southeast Missouri State University. Cape Girardeau, MO: Snell Publications.
Have you ever considered that there is a real self and an ideal self? In this lesson, you will discover the difference between the two, and the effect of two selves at odds.
The lesson also offers a short quiz to help you measure your level of understanding.
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Real vs. Ideal Self
In psychology, the real self and the ideal self are terms used to describe personality domains. The real self is who we actually are. It is how we think, how we feel, look, and act.
The real self can be seen by others, but because we have no way of truly knowing how others view us, the real self is our self-image.The ideal self, on the other hand, is how we want to be. It is an idealized image that we have developed over time, based on what we have learned and experienced. The ideal self could include components of what our parents have taught us, what we admire in others, what our society promotes, and what we think is in our best interest.
The Importance Of Alignment
Real Self Ideal Self Public Self
If the way that I am (the real self) is aligned with the way that I want to be (the ideal self), then I will feel a sense of mental well-being or peace of mind.
If the way that I am is not aligned with how I want to be, the incongruence, or lack of alignment, will result in mental distress or anxiety. The greater the level of incongruence between the ideal self and real self, the greater the level of resulting distress. Let’s take a look at some specific examples:Example #1: My ideal self-image includes honestyWhen my parents ask me why I was late coming home from a night out, and I am honest and tell them that I didn’t want to leave the party because I was having such a great time, then despite the ramifications (like being reprimanded), I will feel a sense of mental well-being.
If I am dishonest and tell them that my car wouldn’t start, then the misalignment between my real self and ideal self will result in mental distress or anxiety. The fact that I lied results in negative feelings.Example #2: My ideal self-image includes a strong work ethicIf I attend all of my college classes, read the assignments, study for the exams, and work hard on my term paper, the result will be a grade that is in line with a strong work ethic. I will feel peace of mind regarding the congruence between my ideal self and real self.I flunk out of a few college courses and I am put on academic probation. If I admit to myself that I did not keep up with the assigned readings, didn’t study for exams, and didn’t turn in my term papers, then I will feel distress or anxiety as a result of the discrepancy between my actual work ethic and the ideal work ethic that I have generated for myself.
Carl Rogers and Humanistic Psychology
Carl Rogers was a humanistic psychologist who theorized that we use denial and distortion as tactics to avoid the anxiety and distress we experience when our real and ideal self are not sufficiently aligned. Denial is when we don’t acknowledge and deal with the internal conflict, in an effort to avoid the anxiety. Distortion is about changing the facts related to the conflict, so that there is less or no anxiety. The more one uses these defenses, the greater the discrepancy between the ideal and real self becomes.
According to Carl Rogers, this can lead to a psychosis, a condition during which a person has a shattered identity.Rogers also theorized that the more our real self or self-image is aligned with our ideal self, the greater our true sense of self will be; this congruence between the real and ideal self results in high self-worth or self-esteem. In other words, if I want to feel good about myself, I will feel propelled to work toward an alignment between the real self and the ideal self. Carl Rogers referred to this as the process of self-actualization.
Lesson Summary
In psychology, the real self and the ideal self are terms used to describe personality domains. The real self is who I am and the ideal self is who I want to be.
The degree to which the two selves are congruent, is equal to the degree of peace of mind. The greater the discrepancy between the two, the greater the level of distress or anxiety. According to humanistic psychologist Carl Rogers, this can lead to a psychosis, a condition during which a person has a shattered identity.
Learning Outcomes
As you finish the video, you should try to:
- Distinguish between the ideal self and the real self
- Consider the mental distress that may occur due to incongruence between the ideal self and real self
- Describe Carl Rogers’ theories on denial and distortion in reference to the clash of real and ideal selves
- Define psychosis
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