This article presents a theory of how different types of discrepancies between self-state representations are related to different kinds of emotional vulnerabilities. The theory, known as self-discrepancy theory, proposes that individuals experience discomfort when their actual self-state (i.e., their self-concept) differs from their ideal self-state (i.e., their hopes, wishes, or aspirations) or their ought self-state (i.e., their beliefs about their duties, responsibilities, or obligations). These discrepancies are categorized into six types: actual/own, actual/other, ideal/own, ideal/other, ought/own, and ought/other. Each type of discrepancy is associated with specific emotional states, such as disappointment, dissatisfaction, sadness, fear, threat, and restlessness. The theory suggests that the magnitude and accessibility of these discrepancies influence the intensity of the associated discomfort. Correlational and experimental evidence supports the predictions of the model, showing that individuals with different types and levels of self-discrepancies experience varying degrees of emotional vulnerability. The theory also distinguishes between dejection-related emotions (e.g., disappointment, sadness) and agitation-related emotions (e.g., fear, threat), and discusses the role of construct availability and accessibility in determining the likelihood and intensity of discomfort.This article presents a theory of how different types of discrepancies between self-state representations are related to different kinds of emotional vulnerabilities. The theory, known as self-discrepancy theory, proposes that individuals experience discomfort when their actual self-state (i.e., their self-concept) differs from their ideal self-state (i.e., their hopes, wishes, or aspirations) or their ought self-state (i.e., their beliefs about their duties, responsibilities, or obligations). These discrepancies are categorized into six types: actual/own, actual/other, ideal/own, ideal/other, ought/own, and ought/other. Each type of discrepancy is associated with specific emotional states, such as disappointment, dissatisfaction, sadness, fear, threat, and restlessness. The theory suggests that the magnitude and accessibility of these discrepancies influence the intensity of the associated discomfort. Correlational and experimental evidence supports the predictions of the model, showing that individuals with different types and levels of self-discrepancies experience varying degrees of emotional vulnerability. The theory also distinguishes between dejection-related emotions (e.g., disappointment, sadness) and agitation-related emotions (e.g., fear, threat), and discusses the role of construct availability and accessibility in determining the likelihood and intensity of discomfort.