actual-self
Summary
The actual self is the set of attributes you believe you currently have, one part of self-concept. The MCAT contrasts it with the ideal self (who you wish to be) and the ought self (who you feel you should be). Gaps between them are linked to negative emotions.
Detail
Meaning: The actual self is your view of who you are right now: the traits, abilities and roles you believe you have. It is one component of self-concept, alongside the ideal self (attributes you would like to have) and the ought self (attributes you feel you should have, based on duties and obligations). In self-discrepancy theory (Higgins), a mismatch between the actual self and one of the other selves produces emotional distress. Rogers' humanistic view makes a similar comparison between the perceived self and the ideal self; a close match is called congruence.
On the MCAT: A vignette describes a person's feelings and asks you to name the discrepancy. Actual versus ideal is linked to dejection-related emotions such as sadness and disappointment. Actual versus ought is linked to agitation-related emotions such as guilt, anxiety and fear of criticism. A smaller gap is generally associated with higher self-esteem.
Common confusion: Students treat the actual self as the objective or "true" self. It is a self-perception, so it can differ from how others see you or from your measured behavior. Students also swap ideal and ought. The ideal self is a personal hope, while the ought self is an obligation, often shaped by other people's expectations. Wish means ideal; duty means ought.
Sources
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
Written for the MCAT and checked before it was published. For study reference only. Spotted an error? Let us know.