Editing Job satisfaction (section)

=== Discrepancy theory ===
The concept of discrepancy theory is to explain the ultimate source of anxiety and dejection.<ref>{{cite journal | last1 = Higgins | first1 = E. T. | year = 1999b | title = When do self-discrepancies have specific relations to emotions? The second-generation question of Tangney, Niedenthal, Covert, and Barlow (1998) | journal = Journal of Personality and Social Psychology | volume = 77 | issue = 6| pages = 1313–1317 | pmid = 10626372 | doi=10.1037/0022-3514.77.6.1313}}</ref> An individual who has not fulfilled their responsibilities may feel a sense of anxiety and regret for not performing well. They may also feel dejection due to not being able to achieve their hopes and aspirations.

According to this theory, all individuals will learn what their obligations and responsibilities are for a particular function, and if they fail to fulfill those obligations then they are punished. Over time, these duties and obligations consolidate to form an abstracted set of principles, designated as a self-guide.<ref name="autogenerated3">{{cite journal | last1 = Higgins | first1 = E. T. | year = 1987 | title = Self-discrepancy: A theory relating self and affect | journal = Psychological Review | volume = 94 | issue = 3| pages = 319–340 | doi=10.1037/0033-295x.94.3.319| pmid = 3615707 | citeseerx = 10.1.1.586.1458 }}</ref> Agitation and anxiety are the main responses when an individual fails to achieve the obligation or responsibility.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite journal | last1 = Strauman | first1 = T. J. | year = 1989 | title = Self-discrepancies in clinical depression and social phobia: Cognitive structures that underlie emotional disorders? | journal = Journal of Abnormal Psychology | volume = 98 | issue = 1| pages = 14–22 | doi=10.1037/0021-843x.98.1.14| pmid = 2708634 }}</ref>
This theory also explains that if achievement of the obligations is obtained then the reward can be praise, approval, or love. These achievements and aspirations also form an abstracted set of principles, referred to as the ideal self guide.<ref name="autogenerated3" /> When the individual fails to obtain these rewards, they begin to have feelings of dejection, disappointment, or even depression.<ref name="autogenerated2" />