Higgins s (1989) self-discrepancy theory suggests that we each have an actual self, an ought self, and an ideal self. According to Higgins, discrepancies between the <u>ought</u> self and the actual self often lead to low self-esteem and feelings of <u>shame</u>.
According to Higgins, the ought self is who an individual believes he/she should be, what he/she should have achieved, while the actual self is who the individual has actually become, a large gap between ought self and actual self can lead to a feeling of disappointment, and then shame.
Explanation: Higgin's self discrepancy theory aims to analyze the different assessment systems in an individual. The ought self explains what an individual thinks he or she should be or what such person expected of himself or herself, what he should have become or achieved at a particular point in his lifetime. The actual self represents what an individual believes he has or things one can do personally at a Point in time. Variations, overlap or discrepancies between this two self description or views often results in having low self esteem and shameful feeling, which emanates from thought of being behind one's peers or missed opportunities.
