Carl Rogers: Person-Centered Theory 10

Formative Tendency

A tendency for all matter, both organic and inorganic to evolve from simpler to more complex forms

Actualizing Tendency

refers to the organismic experiences of the individual

Self-actualization

the tendency to actualize the self as perceived in the awareness

Self-concept

All those aspects of one’s being and one’s experiences that are perceived in awareness

Ideal self

One’s view of self as one wishes to be

Conditions of Worth

Experiences and behaviors are perceived as acceptable only if they meet with approval from others

Incongruence

A discrepancy between the person’s self-concept and aspects of his/her experience

Defensiveness

The protection of the self-concept against anxiety and threat by the denial or distortion of experiences inconsistent with it

Disorganization

Behavior is still consistent with the self-concept, but the self-concept has been broken and thus the behavior appears bizarre and confusing