Cognitive Construction of Self: Carl Rogers

The Cognitive Construction of Self

• Carl Rogers, a humanistic psychologist, believed individuals need an environment that enables growth.
• He proposed that the basic motive for humans is self-actualization, which involves reaching one's highest potential and achieving a level of humanness.
• Rogers believed that achieving self-actualization requires congruence, a state of balance and harmony between one's real self and ideal self.
• Real self refers to one's authentic identity, shaped by upbringing, environment, genetics, and life experiences. It's grounded in reality, reflecting tangible aspects of personality and interactions with the world.
• Ideal self refers to who a person wants to become, often influenced by societal norms, cultural expectations, personal goals, role models, and aspirations.
• According to Carl Rogers, when an individual's real self matches their ideal self, they experience a sense of well-being, act honestly and sincerely, connect better with others, and have less internal conflict.

Authenticity

• Authenticity is about being genuine, true to one's real self, values, and beliefs.
• It involves acting in ways that are consistent with one's true identity, with openness and self-disclosure.

Congruence

• This is the state of alignment or harmony between an individual's real self and ideal self.
• It involves consistency between one's self-perception and experiences.

Genetics

• Genetics refer to the hereditary characteristics passed from parents to offspring.
• These characteristics contribute to an individual's physical and, to a certain extent, psychological traits.

Resilience

• Resilience is the ability to recover quickly from difficulties and maintain mental and emotional strength.
• It's enhanced by a harmonious balance between the real self and the ideal self.

Self-Actualization

• This is the process of realizing and fulfilling one's potential, talents, and abilities.
• It involves striving to become the best version of oneself and achieving personal growth and meaningful goals.

Self-Disclosure

• This involves revealing personal information, thoughts, and feelings to others.
• It's a key component in building trust and intimacy in relationships.

Upbringing

• Upbringing refers to the treatment and instruction received by a child from their parents during childhood.
• This has a significant impact on their real self.

Individualistic Self (Western Thought)

• Emphasizes the needs and desires of the individual over the group.
• Values personal goals, achievements, and independence.
• Key values include independence, self-reliance, personal freedom, and expressing one's own identity.

Collectivist Self (Eastern Thought)

• Emphasizes the importance of the group over the individual.
• Values family, community, and social harmony.
• Key values include interconnectedness, group harmony, loyalty to family, and fulfilling social obligations.

The Physical Self: The Impact of Culture on Body Image

• Physical self refers to one's body and what makes it unique.
• Body image is an individual's perception, thoughts, and feelings about their physical appearance, including attitudes, beliefs, and emotions.

Genes

• They contribute to an individual's physical traits, such as eye color, hair color, height, and bone structure.
• They can influence physical abilities and the development of physical disabilities.

Self-Care

• This includes activities and practices that individuals engage in to maintain and improve their physical well-being.
• It encompasses diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, hygiene, preventive healthcare, and mental health care.

Culture

• Different cultures have varying norms and ideals regarding body size, shape, and beauty.
• These cultural standards can influence individuals' perceptions of their own bodies and what is considered acceptable or desirable.

Media

• Media plays a significant role in impacting body image by promoting unrealistic beauty standards.

Family and Friends

• The people closest to us, including family and friends, can significantly impact our body image through their comments and attitudes.

Negative Effects of Culture and Society on Body Image

• Body Dissatisfaction: Feeling unhappy or displeased with one's body size, shape, or appearance.

• Social Comparison: Comparing one's body to others and feeling inadequate as a result.

• Eating Disorders: Extreme behaviors related to food intake and weight control, including anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, or binge eating disorder.

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): A mental health disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts about perceived flaws or defects in one's appearance.

• Avoidance Behaviors: Avoiding social situations, activities, or clothing that may highlight perceived flaws or trigger negative body image thoughts.

Ways to Have a Positive Body Image

• Practice self-compassion.
• Surround yourself with positive influences.
• Focus on health, not just appearance.
• Practice mindful eating.
• Engage in self-care.
• Seek support.

Understanding the Self

Material or Economic Self

• Refers to the extension of our physical self through possessions.

• It's the idea that what we own can be an external representation of who we are.

• Material possessions, such as clothing, accessories, gadgets, and vehicles, are physical objects we interact with daily.

• In many societies, the type and quality of material possessions can be social indicators of status, wealth, and success.

The Spiritual Self: The Inner Soul

• This is the part of us that is our inner essence or soul, beyond the physical body.
• It involves deep reflection on life's big questions and living according to our core values.
• It's about caring for ourselves, others, and the world.
• Showing kindness and compassion are key aspects.

Religion

• A set of beliefs, practices, and rituals followed by a group of people.
• It often involves faith in a higher power, such as God or gods.
• Religions have organized structures, such as churches, temples, or mosques, for followers to gather.
• They shape cultures, traditions, and how people see themselves.

Religious Views on Self

• Different religions offer unique insights into human existence, spiritual growth, and the search for meaning.

The Soul in Filipino Tradition

• Filipinos believe in multiple souls that animate the body.

Hinduism's View on Self

• The self (Atman) is eternal and identical to Brahman (the ultimate reality).
• Individuals experience karma through reincarnation and seek liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death.
• The self is seen as separate from the body and mind, representing divine consciousness.
• Self-realization is key to spiritual growth.

Buddhism's View on Self

• The self is impermanent and lacks inherent existence (Anatta).
• The goal is to see through the illusion of self and achieve enlightenment (nirvana), understanding that all things are interconnected.

Islam's View on Self

• The self (nafs) is created by Allah with free will and moral responsibility.
• The goal is to submit to Allah's will and attain spiritual purity.
• Muslim identity is shaped by following the Five Pillars of Islam: faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage.
• Purifying the self through these practices leads to inner peace and divine favor.