Self-discrepancy theory (higgins)

Self-Discrepancy Theory, proposed by E. Tory Higgins, offers a framework for understanding how differences between our various representations of self can generate emotional distress and affect our self-esteem and motivation.

It focuses on the comparison between how we actually see ourselves, how we would like to be, and how we think we should be.

The Three Domains of the Self

Higgins postulates the existence of three main domains of the self:

• The Actual Self: Represents the beliefs we hold about the attributes we actually possess in the present. It is our perception of who we are now.

• The Ideal Self: Embodies our hopes, aspirations, and desires about the attributes we would like to possess. It is the representation of the person we long to be, often associated with goals of promotion and achievement.

• The Ought Self: Reflects our beliefs about the attributes we feel we have an obligation or duty to possess. It relates to our responsibilities, moral mandates, and the expectations we believe others (or we ourselves) have for us, often associated with goals of prevention and avoidance of punishment.

Discrepancies and Their Emotional Consequences

The theory holds that discrepancies or mismatches between these domains of the self can lead to specific negative emotions:

• Real-Ideal Discrepancy: When we perceive a gap between who we are and who we would like to be, we are likely to experience emotions related to disappointment, sadness, dissatisfaction, and frustration. If the discrepancy is large, it can lead to feelings of discouragement or even depressive symptoms as one’s aspirations are not achieved.

• Real-Ought Discrepancy: When we feel that we are not fulfilling our obligations, duties, or the moral standards we believe we should achieve, we are likely to experience emotions related to anxiety, guilt, shame, and fear of punishment or disapproval.

Factors That Influence the Impact of Discrepancies

Not all discrepancies have the same emotional impact. The magnitude of the discrepancy (how large the gap is), the importance of the domain in which the discrepancy occurs for the person,and the degree of awareness of the discrepancy are factors that modulate the intensity of the emotional response.

Self-Discrepancy Theory helps us understand how our self-perceptions and internal standards influence our emotional well-being and can motivate behaviors aimed at reducing these discrepancies, whether by changing the real self (through effort and action), modifying the standards of the ideal self or the ought self, or refocusing attention.