Which concept is the discrepancy between self-concept and ideal self-concept?

• A. Genuineness
• B. Internal Source of Evaluation
• C. Incongruence
• D. Personal Power

Answer: (C)

Discrepancy between how you see yourself and how you’d like to be is incongruence. Your self-concept is the collection of beliefs you hold about yourself, while the ideal self is the person you aspire to become. When these don’t line up, your behavior and experiences may feel conflicted, leading to anxiety or defensiveness because you’re acting in ways that aren’t fully aligned with your true self. In client-centered theory, the aim is to reduce this mismatch by fostering honest self-exploration and unconditional positive regard, helping you move toward greater harmony between your real self, your ideal self, and your experiences.