Understanding the relationship between actual:ideal discrepancies and depressive symptoms: A developmental examination

ABSTRACT Self‐discrepancy theory (SDT) is one framework for understanding how goal failure is associated with depressive symptoms. The present studies sought to examine the variance in depressive symptoms explained by actual:ideal discrepancies, beyond what is accounted for by actual‐self ratings. Additionally, gender and grade were examined as potential moderators in the relationship. In Study 1 ( N = 228), discrepancies accounted for additional variance in the level of depressive symptoms beyond what was explained by actual‐self ratings in a college sample. In Study 2 ( N = 192), while similar global patterns were found, gender and grade differences emerged. For boys, the relationship between actual:ideal discrepancies and depressive symptoms was due to actual‐self ratings. For girls, a developmental pattern suggested that actual:ideal discrepancies become more important to the prediction of depressive symptoms among older girls. Implications for the emergence of the discrepancy–depression association are discussed.