The Self Congruence and Conditions of Worth

Roger’s theory is part of the humanistic approach.

In psychology, existential and phenomenological approach.

Everything that we experience at some point is a phenomenal field.

The phenomenal self is the part of the phenomenal field that someone experiences as I or the self.

The self, self-image and self-concept denote our personal identity.

The theory is based on the Combs and Snygg (1949) personality theory from their book ‘Phenomenal field’.

Rogers’ theory development was comprehensive and also empirical. He and his followers were able to apply a humanistic approach to conduct therapy and a scientific approach to evaluate the therapy outcomes.

Carl Rogers developed client-centred therapy, also known as person-centred therapy or Rogerian therapy.

Client-centred therapy is a non-directive approach, i.e., the therapist views their client as a guide source throughout their conflicts.

The therapist and client relationship play an essential role in the treatment, as the therapist shares empathy and unconditional positive regard with their clients.

Unconditional positive regard is the unconditional love and acceptance given to others, unconditionally. A person is accepted regardless of their actions.

Conditional regard is accepting someone only if they meet certain conditions of worth.

The aim is to get self-actualisation, or a tendency to maintain and enhance the experience of the self. 

The core of Rogers’ personality theory is the self-concept.

The self is who we truly are. Our identity or inner personality is also linked to the soul.

Our experiences shape our self and how we perceive the experiences.

Carl Rogers claimed that personal growth is achieved when someone’s self-concept or self-regard is in congruence with their ideal self.

The ideal self is the idealisation of how we would like to be. It is the ideal image we have of ourselves.

The ideal self could include lessons learned from our parents, the things we appreciate in others, and social rules.

Congruence is a term in humanistic psychology used in person-centred therapy. Carl Rogers developed congruence.

According to Carl Rogers, when someone’s self-concept or self-regard is in congruence with their ideal self, personal growth is achieved.

When self-concept and ideal self are in congruence, the person's higher level of self-worth develops.

Congruence is the aim of person-centred therapy.

Incongruence happens if there is a discrepancy between the perceived self and the desired self.

No, achieving self-actualisation will be an impossible mission.

Self-actualisation is the wish to grow psychologically and fulfil our true and full potential.

Conditions of worth are rules of behaviour that a person believes they must follow to be loved and accepted.

When we receive unconditional positive regard, we develop conditions of worth.

Unconditional positive regard is positively praising someone; even when they do not achieve their aimed goals, they can still have done a good job.

If you don’t work hard in life, you won’t be successful.