Carl Roger's Self-theory of Personality

Question 1

What are the main 5 beliefs of Carl’s Roger’s Self Theory of Personality?

Answer 1

1. That people have one basic motive - attain self-actualisation which is the highest level of need
2. For a person to “grow”, people need an environment with genuineness (openness and self-disclosure), acceptance (being seen with unconditional positive regard), empathy (being listened to and understood).
3. To achieve self-actualisation, they must be in a state of congruence - “ideal self” congruent with actual behaviour (self-image)
4. Theory is the notion of self or self-concept which states that “self” is composed of concepts unique to ourselves
5. Self-concept is the result of our childhood experience

Question 2

What are the 3 components of SELF-CONCEPT in Carl Roger’s Self Theory of Personality?

Answer 2

a. Self-worth of self-esteem:
- what we think about ourselves
- developed in early childhood
- formed from interaction with parents

b. Self-image:
- how we see ourselves
- important to good psychological health
- includes the influence of our body image on inner personality
- seeing ourselves as good or bad person, beautiful or ugly
- has an effect on how a person thinks, feels abd behaves in the world

c. Ideal self
- who we would like to be
- consist of goals and ambitions
- always changing
- not the same in childhood/teen/adulthood
- changes at different stages of life

Question 3

There are 5 characteristics of the fully functioning person.

Explain the “Open to experience” characteristic.

Answer 3

Open to experience

• Accepts both positive and negative emotions
• Negative feelings not desired but worked through, not resorting to ego defense machanisms

Question 4

There are 5 characteristics of the fully functioning person.

Explain the “Existential living” characteristic.

Answer 4

Existential living

• In touch with different experiences as they occur in life, avoiding prejudging and preconceptions
• Being able to live and fully appreciate the present - not looking back to past or forward to the future

Question 5

There are 5 characteristics of the fully functioning person.

Explain the “Trust feelings” characteristic.

Answer 5

Trust feelings

• Feelings, instincts and gut-reactions are paid attention to and trusted
• People’s own decisions are the right ones and we should trust ourselves to make the right choices

Question 6

There are 5 characteristics of the fully functioning person.

Explain the “Creativity” characteristic.

Answer 6

Creativity

• Creative thinking and risk taking are features of a person’s life, not playing safe all the time
• Involves ability to adjust, change and seek new experiences

Question 7

There are 5 characteristics of the fully functioning person.

Explain the “Fulfilled life” characteristic.

Answer 7

Fulfilled life

• Person is happy and satisfied with life
• Always looking for new challenges and experiences