Abstract
Based on the assumptions of the self-discrepancy theory (SDT), the present study attempted to investigate how the Japanese students distinguished the ideal and ought selves, how self-discrepancies, the sense of superiority and competence, and self-disgust were related to each other, and how the relative importance between the self-guides influenced on the relationships. Female college students (N=219) responded to a questionnaire measuring these indices of self. It was found that about 40% of the participants distinguished the ideal and ought selves, but more than 30% did not. The actual-ideal discrepancy was related both to the sense of superiority and competence and to self-disgust, but the actual-ought discrepancy was related only to self-disgust. Among those who valued the ideal self-guide, however, the actual-ideal discrepancy was related only to the sense of superiority and competence and the actual-ought discrepancy was related only to self-disgust. Less than 15% of the participants valued the ought self-guide, and there was no significant relationship between the indices of self among them. Even among those who valued both self-guides, there was no relationship. These results suggest a possibility that the relationships between self-discrepancies and emotions may be differentiated among people who value the ideal self-guide.
