Self-Discrepancies as Predictors of Vulnerability to Distinct Syndromes of Chronic Emotional Distress

ABSTRACT Two types of self‐discrepancy differing in both domain and standpoint of self‐guide were examined as predictors of vulnerability to chronic emotional syndromes Study 1 assessed discrepancy between the actual/own self‐state and the ideal/own self‐guide and between the actual/own self‐state and the ought/other self‐guide in predicting syndromes of dejection and agitation as well as different types of anger Actual/own ideal/own discrepancy (AI) was uniquely related to dejection, frustration, and anger at self as measured 2 months later, actual/own ought/other discrepancy (AOO) was uniquely related to agitation and to anger at others and resentment Study 2 used structural equation modeling of the relations between AI and AOO discrepancy and social anxiety versus depression as measured weeks later A model in which AOO was more strongly associated with social anxiety and AI was more strongly associated with depressive symptoms provided the best fit The results support the convergent and discriminant validity of a self‐discrepancy model of vulnerability to chronic emotional syndromes