Weight-related actual and ideal self-states, discrepancies, and shame, guilt, and pride: Examining associations within the process model of self-conscious emotions

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between women's actual:ideal weight-related self-discrepancies and experiences of weight-related shame, guilt, and authentic pride using self-discrepancy (Higgins, 1987) and self-conscious emotion (Tracy & Robins, 2004) theories as guiding frameworks. Participants (N = 398) completed self-report questionnaires. Main analyses involved polynomial regressions, followed by the computation and evaluation of response surface values. Actual and ideal weight self-states were related to shame (R2 = .35), guilt (R2 = .25), and authentic pride (R2 = .08). When the discrepancy between actual and ideal weights increased, shame and guilt also increased, while authentic pride decreased. Findings provide partial support for self-discrepancy theory and the process model of self-conscious emotions. Experiencing weight-related self-discrepancies may be important cognitive appraisals related to shame, guilt, and authentic pride. Further research is needed exploring the relations between self-discrepancies and a range of weight-related self-conscious emotions.

► Actual and ideal weight self-perceptions were related to weight-related authentic pride. ► When the discrepancy between actual and ideal weights increased, shame and guilt also increased, while authentic pride decreased. ► This was the first study to examine the associations between weight-related discrepancies and the positive emotion of authentic pride. ► This study is among the first in the field of body image to assess weight discrepancies using polynomial regression and response surface values. ► Findings support the process model of self-conscious emotions such that weight-related self-discrepancies may be related to self-conscious emotions.