Kamila Wojdyło
University of Gdansk
Jacek Buczny
Warsaw School of Social Sciences and Humanities, Faculty in Sopot
Abstract:
This paper presents research on self-discrepancy in the context of two distinct regulatory processes: self-regulation and self-control (Kuhl, 2001; Deci & Ryan, 2008). According to the Self-Discrepancy Theory (Higgins, 1987) the ought self plays a crucial role in behavior regulation, and is considered the main mechanism regulating moral actions. We performed the confirmatory factor analysis to test the four-factorial structure of the Polish Self-Discrepancy Questionnaire (SkRAP). We predicted that both the actual self and the ought self consist of two types of traits. The first type is associated with high self-control processes that are mostly externally driven (e.g., persistence, hard work, and strong will), and the second one represent self-regulatory processes, defined as an autonomous control over ones actions (e.g., intelligence, creativity, and wisdom). Analysis confirmed the model (RMSEA = .08, CFI = .94). Additional analyses confirmed the convergent validity of SkRAP. For example, it was revealed that the actual vs. ought self-discrepancy correlated positively with negative affect, prevention, and assessment of self-competence. On the other hand, results showed that the actual vs. ought self-discrepancy was negatively related to the positive affect, life- satisfaction, and orientation on agency. The questionnaire can be applied in different areas of psychological interventions, for example in the diagnosis of various disorders (anorexia nervosa or workaholism) or in stimulation of self-growth, i.e. creativity development.
Keywords: self-discrepancy, ought self, self-regulation, self-control
Cite this article as:
Wojdyło, K., Buczny, J. (2011). Self-Regulation, Self-Control, and The Ought Self. Measuring Ought Self-Discrepancy: A Psychometric Analysis of SkRAP. Psychologia Społeczna, 19, 375-390.