Abstract
By obtaining reflected appraisals that confirm one’s identity meanings, identity verification contributes to a stable self-concept, greater emotional health, and self-esteem. However, identity verification might create problems if it reaffirms a set of identity meanings that are incongruent with whom one wants to be or whom one should be. This study examines how the identity verification process differs for people whose self-definition is not aligned with their aspirations and obligations. Using survey data looking at the student identity among a sample of college students, it examines how identity gaps in the meanings between one’s identity standard and two self-guides—the ideal self and the ought self—influence the emotional response to identity verification. Results show that the presence of identity gaps decreases the positive effect identity verification has on emotions. This research offers theoretical insight for current research examining emotions, enhancement/verification, and identity change.