Self-discrepancy theory: A description, integration and evaluation

Self-discrepancy theory examines the relationship between specific cognitiveself-representations and specific affective states. The purpose of this paper isto describe self-discrepancy theory and present an integration with an objectrelations perspective, in order to facilitate the contextual understanding ofthe theory and improve its theoretical and clinical utility. First, thepostulates of this theory and the empirical supports for its constructs arepresented. Next, a model of theoretical integration, referred to as atheoretically progressive integration model (Neimeyer, 1987), is presented. Asynthesis of self-discrepancy theory with an object relations perspective isdeveloped, and the clinical applicability of this synthesis is discussed.Finally, implications and limitations of the theory are discussed. Whilevarious aspects ·of self-discrepancy theory may need further attention andexplication, it seems to be a useful contribution to the field of psychology andits practice