Abstract
Higgins links self-state discrepancies (actual vs ideal vs ought; own vs other standpoint) to different emotional vulnerabilities — not a single undifferentiated “incongruence” feeling.
Higgins, E. T. (1987). Psychological Review, 94(3), 319–340. DOI
Key findings
- Discrepancy types — Actual/ideal gaps tend toward dejection; actual/ought toward agitation.
- Accessibility — Magnitude and accessibility of a discrepancy predict discomfort kind and intensity.
Limits
Cite-anchor shelf — expand Key findings after a full read pass.
Application
When you feel commercial pressure as “I’m not enough” vs “I should deliver,” map the affect: dejection (ideal gap) vs agitation (ought gap) — then name the trait you condemn before you flee sales or delivery (Business is a spiritual game · Identity Gap).