Self-discrepancy theory
Self-discrepancy theory, developed by E.T. Higgins, suggests that discrepancies between one’s “actual self” (who they are) and their internalized “ideal self” (who they want to be) or “ought self” (who they feel they should be) lead to different negative emotions. A gap between the actual and ideal self is linked to dejection-related emotions (like disappointment or sadness), while a gap between the actual and ought self is associated with agitation-related emotions (such as fear, anxiety, or guilt).
The Three Selves
- Actual self: The self-concept, or the way you believe you are.
- Ideal self: The representation of your hopes, wishes, and aspirations for yourself.
- Ought self: The representation of your duties, responsibilities, and obligations, as perceived by yourself or others.
How Discrepancies Affect Emotions
- Actual vs. Ideal Discrepancies: A significant difference between who you are and who you wish to be can lead to a feeling of failure to achieve desired positive outcomes. This is associated with emotions such as disappointment, sadness, and dissatisfaction.
- Actual vs. Ought Discrepancies: When you fall short of what you believe you should be, it’s seen as a failure to avoid negative outcomes. This discrepancy is linked to agitation-related emotions like fear, threat, guilt, and anxiety.
The Purpose of Discrepancies
- These discrepancies are thought to be a motivational mechanism.
- The negative feelings they produce drive individuals to try and reduce the gap between their actual self and their ideal or ought self.
Examples
Actual vs. Ideal: Feeling inadequate because you want to be a successful musician but lack the talent or practice, leading to feelings of sadness and disappointment.
Actual vs. Ought: Feeling anxious because you want to be a good student but procrastinate on your studies, causing you to fail to meet your perceived obligation to do well.
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[1] https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1987-34444-001
[2] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.883736/full