Actual-Ideal Self Discrepancy and Sexual Esteem and Depression

Abstract

A study was conducted to explore the relationship between the way individuals feel about their sexuality (e.g., sexual esteem and sexual depression) and the way they think about their sexual self-more specifically, the difference between the way they perceive their actual and their ideal selves. It was predicted that discrepancies between individuals' actual and ideal selves would be negatively correlated with sexual esteem and positively correlated with sexual depression. Furthermore, it was predicted that there would be a significant difference between the participants' ratings of their actual and their ideal selves. There was unequivocal support for the first hypothesis and general support for the second hypothesis. The results were discussed in terms of the development of the ideal self, gender roles, and the role that social comparison processes may play in this process. Also, limitations to this study were noted and suggestions for further research were discussed.

Key Words:

• Actual-ideal self discrepancy