What is the difference between the real self and ideal self best described as?

The distinction between the real self and the ideal self is accurately framed as who one is versus who one wishes to become. The real self represents an individual's current attributes, feelings, and circumstances, encompassing their true thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. In contrast, the ideal self embodies a personal vision of who they aspire to be, including their hopes, dreams, and the qualities they wish to possess.

This delineation highlights the motivational aspect of personal growth and self-perception. Individuals often find themselves striving to reconcile the gap between their current reality (the real self) and their aspirations (the ideal self). This dynamic can drive personal development and influence self-esteem, as a significant disparity between these two constructs may lead to feelings of inadequacy or dissatisfaction.

The other options reflect different kinds of contrasts but do not capture the essence of the real self versus the ideal self. For instance, the notion of past versus future pertains to time rather than the self-concept. Similarly, defining internal versus external focuses on different aspects of life experience instead of the subjective perception of self. Lastly, assessing conscious versus unconscious pertains more to Freudian concepts and does not relate to the personal aspirations and realities of self-concept.