Self-Discrepancy Across the Life Span

Abstract

This study examined the developmental trajectory of self-discrepancies in adulthood and the role of self-discrepancies in the maintenance of psychological well-being. One hundred fourteen adults completed mailed surveys that assessed physical health, actual self and ideal self, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and self-discrepancy. Examination of age differences in actual self and ideal self assessments showed that ideal self ratings converged with actual self ratings for older adults but were significantly different for young and middle-aged adults, which indicated a decline in self-discrepancy with age. Mean scores on the self-discrepancy scale indicated less self-discrepancy in old age, but the differences were not significant. Self-discrepancy mediated the effects of health problems on depression, anxiety, self-esteem, environmental mastery, and self-acceptance. Results support life-span theory suggesting that self-discrepancy declines in old age and that this decline is positively related to psychological well-being.