Self-Discrepancies Among Individuals with a History of Depression: The Role of Feared Self-Guides

This study examined self-discrepancies, self-guide expectancies, and self-guide importance in vulnerability to depression using a remitted depression design. Results indicated that individuals with past episodes of depression exhibited greater actual-feared self-guide congruence compared to their never depressed counterparts. In other words, previously depressed individuals viewed their actual selves as closer to what they feared becoming compared to individuals without a history of depression. Further, individuals with past episodes of depression believed that they would be more likely to embody feared self-guides in the future compared to their never depressed counterparts. These findings remained significant after statistically controlling for differences in current depressive symptoms. Our findings suggest that feared self-guides may play an important role in vulnerability to episodes of depression.