CARL ROGERS

humanistic psychology

Rejected the idea that humans are ruled solely by unconscious drives or environmental conditionings

free will, innate goodness, subjective experience

core assumptionsof humanistic psychology

free will

individuals have agency and the capacity for choice

innate goodness

people are inherently motivated towards growth and fulfilling their potential

subjective experience

psychology must understand the individual’s unique perception of the word (Phenomenology)

carl rogers

founded the person-centered approach

actualizing tendency

the innate drive of every organism to maintain and enhance itself. A single fundamental motivation

self-concept

the organized, consistent set of perceptions and beliefs about oneself.

self-worth, self-image and ideal self

the three components of the self-concept

self-worth

what we think about ourselves. Developed early in childhood from the interaction of child with the mother and father

self-image

how we see ourselves. Important to good psychological health. Includes the influence of our body image on our inner personality

ideal self

the person who we would like to be. Consists of our goals and ambitions in life, and is dynamic / forever changing

congruence

exists when a person’s ideal self and self-image are consistent or very similar. This leads to a state of balance and high self-worth

Incongruence

occurs when there is a large gap between the real self and the ideal self.. This state breeds anxiety, as experiences are at odds with how one sees oneself

positive regard

all children have a basic need for this

it is love, affection, attention and nurturance from significant others or parents

Unconditional positive regard

accepting and loving the child as they are without strings attached. This fosters congruence and self-actualization

Conditions of worth

“i will only love you IF…” this creates incongruence, as the child learns to deny parts of themselves to earn more

oppenness to experience, existential living, organisms trusting, experiential freedom, creativity

characteristics of the healthy person

oppenness to experience

no need for defensiveness; accepting both positive and negative emotions

existential living

living fully in the moment; avoiding prejudgement

organisms trusting

trusting one’s own judgement and instincts

Experiential freedom

feeling free to make choices and take responsibility

Creativity

ability to adapt and contribute to the world