What constitutes the "ideal self"?

The concept of the "ideal self" refers to a vision or representation of who an individual aspires to be. This encompasses personal goals, values, and the attributes one wishes to develop. It serves as a motivational framework, guiding individuals in their personal growth and development. When considering the distinction between the ideal self and the other choices, option B accurately captures the essence of the ideal self as it emphasizes the forward-looking aspect of personal aspirations rather than merely reflecting current capabilities or relying on external influences.

In contrast, representing one's current abilities points to the actual skill set and competencies that an individual possesses at a given moment, while the ideal self is inherently about what one strives to attain. External validation and acceptance focus on perceptions and judgments made by others, which can detract from an individual’s intrinsic motivation and personal growth objectives. Finally, comparing oneself to others engages a social comparison framework that does not align with the personalized and aspirational nature of the ideal self. Thus, the reflection of who a person wishes to become is indeed the defining feature of the ideal self.