Ought self

Definition

The ought self refers to the internalized standards and obligations that individuals feel they should meet, often shaped by societal expectations, personal beliefs, and moral values. This concept plays a crucial role in shaping one's self-concept and self-esteem by highlighting discrepancies between how one currently is and how one believes they should be, which can lead to feelings of guilt or anxiety when those standards are not met.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The ought self is often formed during childhood through socialization processes, including parental guidance, cultural norms, and peer influences.
2. Individuals with a strong sense of ought self may experience higher levels of anxiety or stress when they perceive themselves as failing to meet their perceived obligations.
3. The gap between the actual self and the ought self can motivate individuals to change their behavior in an attempt to align more closely with these standards.
4. Positive reinforcement from meeting one's ought self can enhance self-esteem, while failure to do so can diminish it, leading to negative emotional states.
5. Cultural variations can significantly influence what constitutes the ought self, as different societies may emphasize different values and expectations.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of the ought self influence an individual's motivation to achieve personal goals?
  • The ought self serves as a guiding force for motivation by setting standards that individuals feel they should strive for. When there is a perceived discrepancy between the actual self and the ought self, individuals may feel compelled to take action in order to meet those standards. This can lead to goal-setting and behavior changes aimed at achieving alignment with the ought self, ultimately driving personal growth and development.
• Discuss the emotional consequences of failing to meet one's ought self standards and how this might affect overall well-being.
  • Failing to meet the standards set by one's ought self can result in negative emotional outcomes such as guilt, shame, or anxiety. These emotions can impact overall well-being by contributing to lower self-esteem and increased stress levels. Moreover, prolonged feelings of inadequacy linked to the ought self may lead individuals to avoid situations where they fear they might not fulfill these obligations, further impacting their mental health and social interactions.
• Evaluate how cultural differences shape an individual's perception of their ought self and its implications for self-esteem across diverse societies.
  • Cultural differences play a significant role in shaping an individual's perception of their ought self, as each culture has its own set of values and expectations regarding behavior and achievement. For instance, collectivist cultures may emphasize family obligations and community responsibilities as central aspects of the ought self, while individualist cultures might focus on personal achievement and independence. This variance can lead to differing implications for self-esteem; individuals in collectivist societies might experience guilt if they fail family expectations, while those in individualist cultures may feel inadequate if they do not achieve personal goals. Understanding these cultural nuances is crucial for comprehending how people navigate their own sense of duty versus personal desire.

Related terms

ideal self: The ideal self is the person that an individual aspires to be, embodying personal desires, hopes, and aspirations.

self-discrepancy theory: Self-discrepancy theory posits that individuals have different types of selves (actual, ideal, and ought) and that discrepancies between these selves can lead to emotional outcomes like disappointment or guilt.

self-esteem: Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall sense of self-worth or personal value, which can be influenced by the alignment between one's actual self and their ought self.