THE FANTASY, IDEAL, AND OUGHT SELVES - CONTENT, RELATIONSHIPS TO MENTAL-HEALTH, AND FUNCTIONS

The present study explored the fantasy self, a previously neglected co nstruct, and complemented work documenting maladaptive mental health c orrelates of actual-ought discrepancy by tying the ought self to proso cial and achievement-oriented behaviors. To distinguish and identify d efining aspects of the fantasy, ideal, and ought selves, content analy ses were used in Study 1 to examine 81 participants' possible self-des criptions. In Study 2, personality and behavioral correlates of each s elf-image type were identified using peer and self reports from 74 par ticipants. The fantasy self contained desires for celebrity, wealth, p ower, travel, and magical abilities. Those preoccupied with their fant asy self were antisocial and nonconformists, scoring low on conscienti ousness, social competence, and academic performance. The ideal self-i mage contained self-centered aspirations (e.g., career success, autono my, popularity, intelligence). Participants' preoccupation with their ideal self was correlated with anxiety, self-consciousness, and vulner ability. The ought self contained desires to be caring, honest, hard-w orking, responsible, and ethical. Individuals preoccupied with these o bligations were more altruistic, warm, and achievement-oriented.