Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

Different types of self-discrepancy lead to different psychological discomforts related to negative emotional state. This study explores the connection of self-discrepancy with dejection related emotions like stress, anxiety, and depression. Moreover, it seeks to understand how self-related constructs (self-control and self-consciousness) influence this relationship. 638 participants (40% male, 60% female) aged 18-55 participated in the study. They filled out the following questionnaires measuring actual/ideal and actual/out self-discrepancy, self-control, private/public self-consciousness and depression, anxiety and stress (DAS questionnaire). Results reveal that depression, anxiety, and stress are significantly predicted by low self-control and high personal self-consciousness. Besides, the study reveals several non-direct relationships: 1) social anxiety appeared as a significant mediator between actual/out self-discrepancy and stress, 2. Self-control moderates the relationship between stress and self-discrepancy 3. Self-control also moderates the relationship between depression and self-discrepancies. Overall the study results suggest that psychological distress accompanying self-discrepancy might be a result of private self-consciousness and low self-control rather than self-discrepancies themselves.