Self-discrepancy theory, proposed by E. Tory Higgins, explains how differences between self-state representations (actual, ideal, and ought) and perspectives (own and significant other) lead to different emotional responses. The theory suggests that discrepancies between the actual self and ideal self (representing unmet personal goals) are linked to dejection-related emotions like disappointment and sadness, while discrepancies between the actual self and ought self (representing unmet duties or obligations) are linked to agitation-related emotions like fear and threat. The theory also considers the availability and accessibility of these discrepancies, which influence the type and intensity of emotional discomfort experienced. The theory differentiates between three domains of the self: actual, ideal, and ought, and two standpoints: own and significant other. Each combination forms a self-state representation, leading to six basic types of self-state representations. The theory posits that individuals are motivated to align their self-concept with their self-guides, and discrepancies between these representations can lead to emotional distress. Self-discrepancy theory distinguishes between four types of discrepancies: actual/own vs. ideal/own, actual/own vs. ideal/other, actual/own vs. ought/other, and actual/own vs. ought/own. Each type is associated with specific emotional responses. For example, actual/own vs. ideal/own discrepancies are linked to dejection-related emotions, while actual/own vs. ought/other discrepancies are linked to agitation-related emotions. The theory also considers the availability and accessibility of self-discrepancies, which influence the likelihood and intensity of emotional discomfort. Availability refers to the presence of a discrepancy in memory, while accessibility refers to how readily a discrepancy is used in processing information. The theory suggests that discrepancies with greater magnitude and accessibility are more likely to induce emotional distress. Empirical evidence supports the theory, showing that different types of self-discrepancies are associated with distinct emotional responses. The theory also differentiates between shame and guilt, and between fear and guilt, based on the standpoint and domain of the discrepancy. Overall, self-discrepancy theory provides a framework for understanding how self-beliefs and emotional responses are interconnected.Self-discrepancy theory, proposed by E. Tory Higgins, explains how differences between self-state representations (actual, ideal, and ought) and perspectives (own and significant other) lead to different emotional responses. The theory suggests that discrepancies between the actual self and ideal self (representing unmet personal goals) are linked to dejection-related emotions like disappointment and sadness, while discrepancies between the actual self and ought self (representing unmet duties or obligations) are linked to agitation-related emotions like fear and threat. The theory also considers the availability and accessibility of these discrepancies, which influence the type and intensity of emotional discomfort experienced. The theory differentiates between three domains of the self: actual, ideal, and ought, and two standpoints: own and significant other. Each combination forms a self-state representation, leading to six basic types of self-state representations. The theory posits that individuals are motivated to align their self-concept with their self-guides, and discrepancies between these representations can lead to emotional distress. Self-discrepancy theory distinguishes between four types of discrepancies: actual/own vs. ideal/own, actual/own vs. ideal/other, actual/own vs. ought/other, and actual/own vs. ought/own. Each type is associated with specific emotional responses. For example, actual/own vs. ideal/own discrepancies are linked to dejection-related emotions, while actual/own vs. ought/other discrepancies are linked to agitation-related emotions. The theory also considers the availability and accessibility of self-discrepancies, which influence the likelihood and intensity of emotional discomfort. Availability refers to the presence of a discrepancy in memory, while accessibility refers to how readily a discrepancy is used in processing information. The theory suggests that discrepancies with greater magnitude and accessibility are more likely to induce emotional distress. Empirical evidence supports the theory, showing that different types of self-discrepancies are associated with distinct emotional responses. The theory also differentiates between shame and guilt, and between fear and guilt, based on the standpoint and domain of the discrepancy. Overall, self-discrepancy theory provides a framework for understanding how self-beliefs and emotional responses are interconnected.