Self-Discrepancy Theory

Self-Discrepancy Theory suggests that our feelings about ourselves are shaped by how our actual self compares to our ideal self (who we want to be) and our ought self (who we think we should be). When there's a big gap between these selves, we may feel emotional discomfort—such as dissatisfaction, guilt, or shame. Conversely, smaller gaps tend to promote a sense of contentment. This theory highlights how our self-view influences our emotional well-being and motivation, emphasizing the importance of aligning our real self with our personal and social ideals.