Carl Rogers: Person Centered Theory

Basic Aspects of Rogers’ Approach A. Holism: Level of Analysis is Whole Individual. B. Drive Toward Self Actualization. C. Active "Construing" of Experience: Phenomenology. Perceived reality more important than “truth.” D. Importance of Free Will: Humans: active participants in their development. NOT deterministic approach.

Basic Aspects of Rogers’ Approach E. Importance of social influences on development: Feedback from others shapes view of self. F. Importance of Consciousness / Awareness: Awareness of “WHY” behave. What is allowed into awareness?

Basic Aspects of Rogers’ Approach G. Positive View of Human Nature: If “necessary” conditions exist, healthy development will ensue. H. Importance of Research: Heavily Researched Theory. Not "Slave" to Methodology.

Two Basic Human Tendencies According to Rogers A) Formative Tendency B) Actualizing Tendency

Basic Human Tendency: Formative Tendency Tendency for things to move from disorganization to organization. Opposite of Freud’s View. Tendency toward growth and integration of the self.

Basic Human Tendency: Actualizing Tendency Tendency toward Self Actualization. Similarity to Maslow’s Approach. For growth to occur, individual must have experience with significant others who show: 1. Genuineness --> "Real", Accepting of Self. 2. Unconditional Acceptance. 3. Empathy. These allow (but do not cause) actualization.

Basic Human Tendency: Actualizing Tendency If “genuineness, unconditional acceptance, empathy” not present, path toward actualization can be distorted. Requirements above are similar to those for successful treatment.

Rogers’ View of the "SELF" A) Organismic Self; B) Self Concept; C) Ideal Self

Organismic Self: The Real Self. What one "is." One’s Entire Being.

Self-Concept: Evaluation of one's own characteristics. The Subjective Self. May Differ from "Real" Self.

“Organismic Self” versus “Self-Concept” A “true” experience may conflict with self-concept (“Incongruence”). Result -- the experience may be denied OR distorted. Example: Attraction to another person while in committed relationship. Attraction = True Self / Organismic Self. "I'm Faithful" = Self-Concept. "Other is Seductive" = Distortion.

Ideal Self Self as one “Would Like to Be.” Conflict between self-concept & ideal self? If so, also = Incongruence. High Incongruence = Unhealthy Personality.

Levels of Awareness in Rogers' Theory of Personality A) Subconscious; B) Accurately Symbolized; C) Distorted

Subconscious Level of Awareness Material not brought into awareness. Filtered / Ignored. e.g., Sights / Sounds Outside. Denial -- Exclusion from awareness. e.g., Material conflicting with self-concept. Things not in awareness CAN influence behavior (“Subception”).

Freely/Accurately Symbolized in Awareness Allowed freely into awareness. Experiences Consistent with Self Concept. Not Threatening. Example: if recognize a personal weakness, person is able to “hear” feedback about that weakness.

Distortions: Levels of Awareness Material inconsistent with self-concept is “modified” before being allowed into consciousness. Individual may distort positive or negative information. Distortions lead to increased incongruence. Example: Compliment on one's appearance: "I don't deserve it; I’m ugly" --> Self Concept. "They don't mean it" --> distortion.

Needs According to Rogers A) Maintenance Needs; B) Enhancement Needs; C) Positive Regard; D) Self Regard

A) Maintenance Needs Similar to Basic Needs as described by Maslow Desire to maintain the self. Examples: Food. Shelter. Safety. Consistency.

B) Enhancement Needs Desire for growth and enhancement of self concept. Motivation toward Actualization. Similar to Maslow’s Actualization Needs.

C) Need for Unconditional Positive Regard: Desire for Unconditional Love, Acceptance from Significant Others. Very strong need across lifespan. May override “natural instincts.” Similar to Maslow’s Love/Belongingness Needs.

D) Need for Self Regard: Desire for sense of self-confidence & self-worth. Initially dependent on receiving unconditional positive regard from others: Like Maslow --> Esteem grows from love/beloningness needs being met. Later in life, autonomous and self-perpetuating. Similar in general to Maslow’s Esteem Needs.

Conditions of Worth

Conditional Positive Regard Not unconditional love. Acceptance only if provide something in return. "Strings" attached to acceptance and love from others. Can be Internalized --> Distorts Self Concept.

What’s Wrong with Incongruence? Incongruence: Discrepancy between Organismic Self and Self Concept. Incongruence: Discrepancy between Self-Concept and Ideal Self. Related to Psychopathology: General Maladjustment. Tension / Anxiety. Extreme Incongruence Leads to Disorganization / Psychosis. Link to Conditional Positive Regard.

Basic Aspects of Rogerian Client Centered Therapy Incongruence --> Maladjustment. Goal of therapy: Help Client Become More Congruent. Client “Grows’ in context of therapeutic environment. For Growth to occur, therapist must be: Congruent. Unconditionally Accepting. Empathic.

End of Carl Rogers