Aspects of Self-Knowledge: Self-Discrepancies Self-Discrepancy Theory (Higgins & colleagues) Similar to self-complexity theory: multiple self-aspects affective consequences associated w/how self-aspects are related Different from self-complexity theory: discrepancies between self-aspects actual selves & hypothetical selves Psych 160 Prof. Chen

Self-DiscrepancyTheory (Higgins & his colleagues) ACTUAL SELF: the self one thinks one actually is IDEAL SELF: the self one aspires to be (i.e., hopes, wishes, goals) OUGHT SELF: the self one thinks one's significant others wants one to be (i.e., duties, obligations) KEY HYPOTHESIS: Thinking about discrepancies between actual selves & ideal or ought selves  specific emotions Actual-Ideal Discrepancy  dejection Actual-Ought Discrepancy  agitation Psych 160 Prof. Chen

Self-Regulation Refers to the processes by which people initiate, alter, and control their behavior in the pursuit of their goals Given that successful goal pursuit often requires resisting temptations, self-regulation also captures people’s ability to delay gratification—that is, to prioritize long-term goals by foregoing short-term rewards Psych 160 Prof. Chen Psych 160 Prof. Chen 3

Promotion and Prevention Regulatory Focus Promotion focus: regulating behavior with respect to ideal standards  focus on presence and absence of positive outcomes Prevention focus: regulating behavior with respect to ought standards  focus on presence and absence of negative outcomes Psych 160 Prof. Chen Psych 160 Prof. Chen 4

Ego Depletion A state, produced by acts of self control, in which we lack the energy or resources to engage in further acts of self-control Psych 160 Prof. Chen Psych 160 Prof. Chen 5

Typical Ego Depletion Paradigm Engage in first task that requires self-control or not (e.g., suppressing emotions while watching videotape) Engage in second task that requires self-control People who engaged in first self-control task perform worse on the second task relative to those who did not initially exert self-control Psych 160 Prof. Chen Psych 160 Prof. Chen 6

Automatic Self-Control Strategies? Over time and with practice, certain self-control strategies can be automatized Examples: Temptations and goals become connected in memory so that being presented with temptations brings to mind goals (and goals actually inhibit temptations!) Faster to behaviorally approach goals and avoid temptations, rather than the reverse Psych 160 Prof. Chen Psych 160 Prof. Chen 7

Automatic Behavioral Self-Control Strategies? Psych 160 Prof. Chen Psych 160 Prof. Chen 8