1. Aspects of Self-Knowledge: Self-Discrepancies
Self-Discrepancy Theory (Higgins & colleagues)
Similar to self-complexity theory:
multiple self-aspects
affective consequences associated w/how self-aspects are related
Different from self-complexity theory:
discrepancies between self-aspects
actual selves & hypothetical selves
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2. Self-DiscrepancyTheory (Higgins & his colleagues)
ACTUAL SELF: the self one thinks one actually is
IDEAL SELF: the self one aspires to be (i.e., hopes, wishes, goals)
OUGHT SELF: the self one thinks one's significant others wants one to be (i.e., duties, obligations)
KEY HYPOTHESIS: Thinking about discrepancies between actual selves & ideal or ought selves  specific emotions
Actual-Ideal Discrepancy  dejection
Actual-Ought Discrepancy  agitation
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3. Self-Regulation
Refers to the processes by which people initiate, alter, and control their behavior in the pursuit of their goals
Given that successful goal pursuit often requires resisting temptations, self-regulation also captures people’s ability to delay gratification—that is, to prioritize long-term goals by foregoing short-term rewards
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4. Promotion and Prevention Regulatory Focus
Promotion focus: regulating behavior with respect to ideal standards  focus on presence and absence of positive outcomes
Prevention focus: regulating behavior with respect to ought standards  focus on presence and absence of negative outcomes
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5. Ego Depletion A state, produced by acts of self
control, in which we lack the energy
or resources to engage in further acts
of self-control
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6. Typical Ego Depletion Paradigm
Engage in first task that requires self-control or not (e.g., suppressing emotions while watching videotape)
Engage in second task that requires self-control
People who engaged in first self-control task perform worse on the second task relative to those who did not initially exert self-control
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7. Automatic Self-Control Strategies?
Over time and with practice, certain self-control strategies can be automatized
Examples:
Temptations and goals become connected in memory so that being presented with temptations brings to mind goals (and goals actually inhibit temptations!)
Faster to behaviorally approach goals and avoid temptations, rather than the reverse
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8. Automatic Behavioral Self-Control Strategies?
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