What Is Higgins Self-discrepancy Theory?

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Self discrepancy theory was introduced by psychologist E. Tory Higgins (1987) with the purpose of explaining the relationship between aspects of the self and affect . In this theory, Higgins posits that individuals possess different types of self-guides, or standards, against which they compare their current self.

What does the self discrepancy theory suggest?

The self-discrepancy theory states that individuals compare their “actual” self to internalized standards or the “ideal/ought self”. ... 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 .

What is self discrepancy theory example?

Discrepancies between the actual and ideal/ought selves can be motivating in some ways and prompt people to act for self-improvement. For example, if your ought self should volunteer more for the local animal shelter , then your actual self may be more inclined to do so.

What is self discrepancy theory Google Scholar?

Self-discrepancy: A theory relating self and affect. Psychological Review, 94, 319–340. [Crossref], [PubMed], [Web of Science ®], [Google Scholar]) proposed that two distinct self-discrepancies are associated with different experiences of emotions . ... This is called an actual/ideal self-discrepancy.

Who introduced self discrepancy theory?

One influential perspective on what motivates people’s behavior is detailed in Tory Higgin’s self-discrepancy theory (Higgins, 1987). He proposed that people hold disagreeing internal representations of themselves that lead to different emotional states.

What is self-discrepancy theory How do self discrepancies impact how people feel about themselves?

Self-discrepancy theory (Higgins 1989) describes how individuals are likely to experience discomfort when they are holding conflicting or incompatible beliefs about themselves . Moreover, the type of discrepant self-representations explains the kind of discomfort or unpleasant feelings.

What is self-discrepancy?

n. an incongruity between different aspects of one’s self-concept, particularly between one’s actual self and either the ideal self or the ought self . [ derived from the theory of U.S. psychologist E. Tory Higgins (1946– )]

What is positive discrepancy?

If discrepancy is negative, subtract the amount to the Statement Opening Balance. If discrepancy is positive, add the amount to the Statement Opening Balance . You will now be able to post. An entry will be posted for the unresolved amount.

How do you calculate self discrepancy?

SELF-DISCREPANCY MEASUREMENT

To calculate actual-ideal discrepancy, subtract the actual-self extent rating from the ideal- self extent rating for each “ideal” attribute the participant listed . Then sum all the difference scores for each listed “ideal” attribute.

What is your ideal self?

According the Humanistic Psychologist Carl Rogers, the personality is composed of the Real Self and the Ideal Self. ... The Ideal Self is an idealized version of yourself created out of what you have learned from your life experiences, the demands of society, and what you admire in your role models .

What is the effect if actual self will not coincide with ideal self?

If ideal self has conflict with actual self, definitely the person will experience anxiety and distress this performance will highly be affected. he will have at this point low self esteem.

What is ideal self and actual self?

“Actual self” is the way in which a person sees himself now. “Ideal self” is the way in which a person would like to see himself . “Social self” is the way in which a person believes others see him.

What happens when the ideal and actual self are different?

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.

Who came up with social comparison theory?

Social comparison theory was first proposed in 1954 by psychologist Leon Festinger and suggested that people have an innate drive to evaluate themselves, often in comparison to others.

What is a good self image?

A positive self-image is having a good view of yourself ; for example: Seeing yourself as an attractive and desirable person. Having an image of yourself as a smart and intelligent person. Seeing a happy, healthy person when you look in the mirror.

What is self perception theory example?

Self-perception theory says that, ‘When people are unsure about their feelings and motivations, they will use their own behavior to infer what they feel. ... So, in the example above, lying about your feelings could cause you to believe your own lie ! You are using your behavior to figure out how you feel about something.

Leah Jackson
Author
Leah Jackson
Leah is a relationship coach with over 10 years of experience working with couples and individuals to improve their relationships. She holds a degree in psychology and has trained with leading relationship experts such as John Gottman and Esther Perel. Leah is passionate about helping people build strong, healthy relationships and providing practical advice to overcome common relationship challenges.