Cognitive discrepancy models: Actual, ideal, potential, and future self-perspectives of body image

Journal/Book: Soc Cognition. 1999; 17: 72 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012, USA. Guilford Publications Inc. 46-75.

Abstract: Cognitive discrepancy models posit self-concepts to be a function of differences between self-perceptions of actual accomplishments and ideal standards; unrealistic ideals lead to poor self-concepts even when accomplishments are otherwise good. Participants (793 high school students) indicated their Actual, Ideal, Future, and Potential body image by selecting from 12 silhouettes varying along an obese-skinny continuum and completed seven self-concept factors on two occasions. Structural equation models demonstrated: (a) Actual effects on self-concept factors were positive and Ideal effects were negative (more demanding, increasingly slender ideals detracted from self concept), making this one of the few studies to support discrepancy models' predictions using this paradigm; (b) Actual and ideal effect sizes varied systematically for self-concepts selected to be more or less related to body image; and (c) inconsistent support for Future and Potential factors as standards against which to evaluate actual self. Multiwave-multivariable causal models indicated that prior (T1) Actual and ideal factors influenced subsequent (T2) self concepts beyond the effects of prior self-concepts, arguing for the causal effects of Actual and Ideal body image on self-concept.

Note: Article Marsh HW, Univ Western Sydney Macarthur, SELF Concept Res Ctr, POB 555, Campbelltown, NSW 2560, AUSTRALIA

Keyword(s): ACADEMIC-ACHIEVEMENT; DESCRIPTION QUESTIONNAIRE; POSSIBLE SELVES; ESTEEM; RATINGS; CONSTRUCT; SCHEMAS; FIT

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