12 Questions
What was Carl Rogers' original career aspiration?
Scientific farmer
What was the primary focus of Carl Rogers' therapeutic approach?
Fostering growth within the client
What was the evolution of Carl Rogers' therapy?
From methodology-focused to client-therapist relationship-focused
What was a key tenet of Carl Rogers' theory of counseling?
The need to be true to oneself
What position did Carl Rogers hold in the American Psychological Association?
President of the APA
What was Carl Rogers' stance on research in psychology?
He believed in the importance of empirical research
What is the primary difference between humans and other living beings in terms of the actualizing tendency?
Humans have a concept of self and potential for self-actualization.
According to Rogers, what is necessary for a person to become fully functioning or self-actualizing?
Congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathy.
What is the ideal self, according to Rogers?
One's desired self, with all positive attributes.
What is the primary function of the actualizing tendency, according to Rogers?
To achieve psychological growth and self-actualization.
What is the relationship between the self-concept and change, according to Rogers?
A well-established self-concept makes change difficult, but not impossible.
What is the difference between awareness and ignored or denied experiences, according to Rogers?
Awareness refers to symbolic representation, while ignored experiences are unrepresented.
Study Notes
Carl Rogers' Life and Theories
- Wanted to be a scientific farmer, but changed to pursue a career in Psychology
- Developed a humanistic theory of personality based on his experiences as a practicing psychotherapist
- Founded Client-Centered therapy, focusing on the client-therapist relationship
- Minimized the importance of labeling disorders, instead emphasizing growth and self-actualization
Basic Assumptions of Rogers' Theory
- Formative Tendency: all matter, organic and inorganic, evolves from simpler to more complex forms
- Actualizing Tendency: humans and other living beings strive for completion, fulfillment, and self-actualization
- Involves the need for maintenance (similar to Maslow's hierarchy of needs) and enhancement (developing and growing beyond current self-concept)
Self and Actualization
- People have the creative power to solve problems, alter their self-concepts, and become increasingly self-directed
- Plants and animals have an actualizing tendency, but only humans have a concept of self and potential for self-actualization
- Three conditions necessary for becoming a fully functioning person: congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathy
Subsystems of the Self
- Self-Concept: includes all aspects of one's being and experiences perceived in awareness (not always accurate)
- Ideal Self: one's view of self as one wishes to be, containing aspired positive attributes
Incongruence and Unhealthy Personality
- Incongruence: discrepancy between the self-concept and ideal self
- Levels of Awareness:
- Ignored: experiences not attended to (e.g., walking down a busy street)
- Denied: experiences hidden from conscious awareness (e.g., mother's anger and resentment towards her children)
Learn about the life and work of Carl Rogers, founder of Client-Centered therapy, and his humanistic approach to personality theory. Discover his views on empirical research and his focus on helping people.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
