StudentShare
Contact Us
Sign In / Sign Up for FREE
Search
Go to advanced search...
Free

Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers - Research Paper Example

Cite this document
Summary
The intention of this study is the Carl Rogers’ person-centered theory to the understanding of personality and relationships of human beings is focused on indicating the conditions required for valuing diversity, open communication, creativity and empowerment. …
Download full paper File format: .doc, available for editing
GRAB THE BEST PAPER95.1% of users find it useful
Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers
Read Text Preview

Extract of sample "Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers"

Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers Introduction Personality theories have outlined a wide range of explanations concerning a person’s behavior (Hothersall 23). Carl Rogers has immensely contributed to the field of psychology through his person-centered theory. He worked as a medical psychologist, and there is no doubt that, his career contributed to the development of his theory. He was a therapist with an enduring respect for people’s dignity. He was also interested in human beings as subjects of study rather than objects. His approach to the study of people is idiographic and phenomenological. Rogers’s view of people’s behavior is that it is delicately rational. In his theory of personality, Rogers believes that a man’s nature is positive, and he is a dependable organism. To look at this theory more closely, we shall be able to understand his contributions to the field of psychology. Carl Rogers’ contributions to the field of psychology Person-centered theory is one of the most popular theories of therapy and counseling since the time it developed in the 1940s. Carl Rogers first labeled it as non directive theory. The theory offers a diverse alternative to the psychoanalytic and behavioral theories that dominated psychology in the past. Rogers with time broadened the ideas of the process and renamed his theory as client centered with an aim of emphasizing the full understanding of an individual’s dimensions (Ryckmann 39). The person-centered theory evolved as issues concerning equality of participants in the relationship and concentrate on the positive health of individuals became important issues. Rogers outlines his views on self, human condition and the rationale for improvement of a person’s behavior. Despite his conception of personality having both strength and weaknesses, Rogers has given valuable contributions within the field of psychology. Person-centered theory addresses the possibility of solving situations. It was originally developed as a person’s process, but it has now become a major group theory. The focus on a group has expanded into concepts that are popular in the field of education. Rogers’ studies have continuously emphasized the same concepts as a means of dealing with global conflict resolution; with an emphasis on promoting peace worldwide. Person-centered theory puts a lot of emphasis on a person’s ability to move in a positive direction. Those who have confidence in Rogers’s theory have a belief in the trustworthiness of people and in their ability to move toward good health and self actualization (Ryckmann 76). People perceive the world in a phenomenological way so that there is no two people’s perceptions about the world are the same. The perception of individuals as trustworthy, forward moving and competent people who have their own view of world enhances confidence in a persons’ ability to control his/her affirmative change. This confidence directs the counselor to avail the conditions for that change. There are three basic conditions required to support a person’s natural inclination for positive growth: caring and acceptance from the counselor, a good relationship with a straight forward individual, and an adequate understanding from the counselor. People who are provided with these conditions can realize their tendencies for growth. They will be able to explore their natural competencies and difficulties in this productive environment; this will lead to a clear picture of their potential. This in turn, leads to a more self understanding, self confidence, and better choices (Maddi 56). The main role of a counselor in the person-centered theory is to promote the conditions for change instead of bringing given changes. Therapists and counselors are expected to maintain a real human relationship in which unconditional positive regard is provided to their clients. This clearly demonstrates their faith in clients and above all the support of the process. Person-centered counselor does the work of developing a precise empathic understanding of a client. The counselor provides directives to clients in order to clarify and expand the understanding on the client’s actions and choices. Rogers initiated more research on client gain and helping relationship. The use of transcriptions and taping to evaluate the essential conditions of psychotherapy and counseling received more emphasis from research on this theory. An innovative research in clinical growth was produced in the development of person-centered theory (Krebs and Blackman 96). Nevertheless, much of this theory has been incorporated into the entire body of the theory, and there is little research being done in the area. Psychotherapy and person-centered counseling offer much to the field of psychology and professionals have continued to give emphasis on the need for its growth. It is evident that Rogers has contributed to the psychology field in many ways. In his theory, he points out that the human organism has an actualizing tendency which develops all capacities in ways that enhance or maintain the organism and move it toward self-sufficiency. This tendency is constructive, directional and present in all living things. The concept of the actualizing tendency can be suppressed, but it is difficult to destroy without the organism destruction. The only motive force in the person-centered theory is the actualizing tendency (Hall and Gardner 99). It encompasses all motivations, needs, tension, drive reductions, creative and pleasure seeking tendencies. Parts of an organism do not have this tendency it is only the whole body that has. Each person has a fundamental mandate to realize their potential and execute it accordingly. The phenomenal field of a human organism includes all the experiences available at any given time, both conscious and unconscious. These experiences shape a person’s personality and thus determine how the individual interacts with others in the society. A portion of this field gets differentiated as development occurs and this becomes the person’s self. In the person-centered theory, the “self” becomes a central construct that plays a very crucial role. It develops through relations with others and involves awareness of functioning and being. The self concept is a structured set of features that individual perceives as peculiar (Maddi 106). It is largely based on the social evaluations that an individual has experienced in life. A psychological concept of the actualizing tendency, which is almost related to “self” is the self actualizing tendency (Hothersall 93). This involves the actualization of the portion of experience which is symbolized in the self. This is a push to experience oneself in a mode that would be termed to be consistent with an individual’s conscious view. Secondary needs are connected to the development to self actualization and self concept (Maddi 87). These secondary needs include the need for positive regard from other people and the need for positive self regard, which lead to accommodating of behavior and character that is consistent with the individual’s self concept. When important people in a person’s life such as parents and guardians provide positive regard that is conditional, the person adopts the desired values and hence acquires conditions of worth. Parents play a very crucial role in a child’s growth. They determine the character and behavior of their children. The self concept becomes based on the principles of value rather than an organ’s way of evaluation. The conditions of worth always disturb an organ’s valuing process. This is because it is an ongoing process where experiences are symbolized and valued with regard to optimal development of the organism and self (Krebs and Blackman 34). The need for positive self regard in an individual’s life leads to a perception of experience in terms of the circumstances of worth that now exists. Experiences can be perceived as intimidating without any conscious awareness, and this can lead to anxiety. Theoretically; a person may develop optimally and avoid the described outcomes if unconditional positive regard is the only one that is experienced. In this case, there are no any conditions of worth which are developed. An organ’s evaluation would be matched whenever the needs for positive regard from other people and positive self regard are realized and thus; congruence between experience and self. This will result into a full psychological adjustment. This perfect human condition is personified in the fully functioning person with a clear conscience, which is open to experience and the person can live existentially trusting in his/her own life form. This person also acts independently, is creative, expresses feelings freely and lives a richer life (Hall & Gardner 98). A good life is a process full of events and not a state of being. It is also a direction but not a destination. For those individuals who lack a favorable childhood, there is always optimism in regard to development toward maturity through therapy with an aim of restoring an organ’s valuing process. As far as Rogers’ person-centered theory is concerned, personality change is indeed possible and is a part of growth. He points out that self acceptance is a requirement. Originally, when Rogers began his studies on psychology, he had failed to recognize the significance of self. He had argued that the concept of self was vague, scientifically meaningless, and extremely ambiguous and had gone out of the vocabulary of psychologists. However, through his studies with clients he ended up appreciating the real importance of self. The concept of self is described as the consistent, conceptual perceptions of the characteristics of “me” or “I” and its relationship to other people (Krebs and Blackman 104). Rogers’s conception of the “self” is relatively broad. He comes up with variations of self. There is the ideal self that indicates the self concept that people posses (Krebs and Blackman 23). His concept of self actualization is related to self. A core theme all through the transformational leadership and the shaping change programs recognize the values and philosophy of the person-centered theory. Carl Rogers’ person-centered theory to the understanding of personality and relationships of human beings is focused on indicating the conditions required for valuing diversity, open communication, creativity and empowerment. His approach has been used in individual and group settings and other, many fields such as cross cultural communication, education, personal growth, counseling, and psychotherapy. Works Cited: Hall, Calvin, and Gardner Lindzey. Introduction to the theories of personality. Toronto: John Wiley & Sons, 1985. Print. Hothersall, David. 1995. History of Psychology. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1995. Print. Krebs, Dennis, and Blackman Roger. Psychology: A first encounter. Toronto: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1988. Print. Maddi, Salvatore. Personality theories: A comparative analysis (6th Ed.). Toronto: Brooks/Cole Publishing Co, 1996. Print. Ryckmann, Richard. Theories of personality (5th Ed.). California: Brooks/Cole Publishing Co, 1993. Print. Read More
Cite this document
  • APA
  • MLA
  • CHICAGO
(“Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers Research Paper”, n.d.)
Retrieved from https://studentshare.org/psychology/1462067-person-centered-theory-by-carl-rogers
(Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers Research Paper)
https://studentshare.org/psychology/1462067-person-centered-theory-by-carl-rogers.
“Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers Research Paper”, n.d. https://studentshare.org/psychology/1462067-person-centered-theory-by-carl-rogers.
  • Cited: 0 times

CHECK THESE SAMPLES OF Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers

The Nursing Care of Jane Smith

The answer to what appears to be the problem why we cannot get along is basically rooted in the difficulty in establishing communication.... Jane Smith appeared reserved at all times.... She does not readily respond to greetings and this made it very difficult to break the ice.... hellip; My role in the situation is try to be a friend and confidant....
8 Pages (2000 words) Personal Statement

Education Personal Statement

After having been out of school for the past 20 years, I am thrilled to pursue an associate degree in nursing.... Even though I have a rewarding career as a licensed vocational nurse during those years, my heart longs for the knowledge and skills I can acquire inside the classroom.... hellip; As a person, it has always been my passion to reach my utmost potential by exhausting all the available opportunity for me to develop my strength and competencies....
2 Pages (500 words) Personal Statement

Personal statment

As a nurse, my mother impressed me tremendously with her concern and care for the infirm and the suffering.... Over a period of time, I developed considerable interest in diseases, injuries,… Another source of inspiration was my great grandfather, who had employed ether as an anesthetic during wartime. This keen interest in providing medical assistance in particular and medicine in general, made me of the of the of the Personal ment I have always been deeply affected by the physical and mental suffering of others....
2 Pages (500 words) Personal Statement

The Road Not Taken BY ROBERT FROST

He is uncertain of the future and cannot rush into making any confident decision.... He wants to make a decision, which will make him not to regret about it in the… He wants to make a permanent choice, highly impacting the rest of his lifetime. The poem represents the innocence of a person and the loss in life, and choices that marks our lives....
1 Pages (250 words) Personal Statement

Motivational Theory

In the paper “Motivational theory” the author looks at a theoretical construct that is mostly used in explaining behavior.... Thus, it symbolizes the motives for an individual's needs, desires, and actions.... It can also be described as the force behind an individual's desire to repeat a definite behavior....
2 Pages (500 words) Personal Statement

Personal Space and Gender

In the following paper “Personal Space and Gender” the author describes the subject of personal space and determines the relation between gender and personal space and whether the gender factor has an influence on the personal space people give or want.... nbsp;… Research tells us that people value their personal space and tend to protect it and try and keep it from being penetrated....
6 Pages (1500 words) Personal Statement

Personal Learning Goals of the Clinical Nurse Specialist

Many of them usually undertake further studies so as to keep up with the changing trends in the nursing field.... In essence, these studies are usually as a result… This paper looks into the personal learning goals that the clinical nurse specialist has in mind in undertaking an advanced practice nursing course....
2 Pages (500 words) Personal Statement

Personal Family History

The statement "Personal Family History" outlines the story of one family which predominantly works in the business sector and migrated to Dalian.... hellip; Before migrating to Dalian, Liao Ning province my grandfather being Korean of origin and grandmother being Chinese, belonged to the rich social class....
6 Pages (1500 words) Personal Statement
sponsored ads
We use cookies to create the best experience for you. Keep on browsing if you are OK with that, or find out how to manage cookies.
Contact Us