Personality Theory - Research Paper Example

?Personality Theory As an ER nurse, I see a lot of horrible things. I have dealt with victims of child abuse, stabbings, car crashes, and gunshot wounds. For me, each day is filled with sights of blood, dismembered bodies, and cries of pain as well as despair. However, no matter how desolate and cruel the world may seem, I still believe that people are mostly good. Indeed, a number of people die each day because of others’ greed. Bad things may happen even to good people. Nonetheless, there is still something positive in each one of us. In relation to this perspective, humanistic theories describe people’s behavior. Carl Roger’s theory of personality approaches psychology as more of a human science than a natural science. In this case, he greatly contributes to the treatment of people in humane ways. As a therapist, he esteems the dignity of persons. Rogers views individuals as subjects, not as objects. For him, treating a person with ethical standards is a must. Moreover, he posits that no matter how cruel a man’s actions are, he still possesses a positive core. He also considers each person as unique. In order to be understood, each person’s subjective perceptions of events and entities are crucial. How one currently feels is usually the focus of analyzing behavior. Everybody must also be given a chance to be trusted since each person is capable of being responsible in handling expectations. Several of his key terms are “actualizing tendency”, “positive regard”, and “free will” ( Myers, 2004). According to the Rogerian humanistic approach, we are all capable of an actualizing tendency. This means that each one of us can achieve improvement regarding our personalities. Our fundamental nature for goodness can guide moral progress if we choose to. Though this tendency can be stifled, it is not possible for it to be terminated. All living organisms have this kind of attribute. In addition, parts of a living thing cannot have the actualizing tendency, the whole organism has to be involved. Even if there are some people who kill others with unacceptable reasons, they are still able to change. With their autonomy, their innate goodness can still come out. For this positive change to ensue, the person has to be totally involved. I can say that I still have respect for the people who have in one way or the other hurt my patients and myself. Since each person has the underlying authority to realize his potential, I can say that I have widened my acceptance towards other people’s distinctiveness. Rogers is associated with the term positive regard. A person has the need to viewed in a positive light. This helps him perceive himself in a more optimistic way. With this encouraging treatment, an individual can have more chances in taking the necessary steps required for self-improvement. I think that regarding others positively has helped me see the hope in each person around me. This has also made me keener regarding my need to be appreciated and accepted by others. I am fortunate that as a nurse, I have many opportunities to help others, thus, showing the good side of me. Though I am at work, I get to be regarded positively by many . I think this helps in boosting my self-esteem. In a way, it has already been a habit. Each day, I am somebody with a big heart who carries the weight of the world of my patients. Rogers adds that conditional positive regard aids in promoting desired values. I have observed the benefits of this perspective in the hospital. It is useful in encouraging certain behavior in patients specially children. For instance, a girl that has to undergo a somehow painful or scary treatment would be more emboldened to be brave when she receives positive regard after her ordeal. In the same way, I am more inspired to practice the tenets of my helping profession due to the affirmative comments I hear. Humanists explain that these situations happen because of the motivation to favor others’ positive regard. As a result, a person’s self-concept gear towards more noble attributes. On the other hand, incongruence happens when the actual experience of a person negates the perception of the society. Rogers furthers that this leads to doubts, anxiety, and negative behaviors. In my ward, I have witnessed a number of people displaying temper tantrums and bouts of hysteria since it is hard for them to accept what has just happened to them or their loved ones. For example, it is indeed hard for a football player to accept the fact that he cannot be a quarterback anymore nor even walk again. I have comforted relatives who have shouted and incessantly cried when they have discovered the bleak truth of death. Perhaps, this incongruence may likewise explain the root of some of my patients’ misery. Some people become violent and hurt others due to confusion and tension. Some folks have maladaptive behavior because there is a wide gap between how others regard them and their actual practice. Whatever a person’s past may be, he still has the capacity for transformation. We are all blessed with free will. Having a respectable life is not achieved because of fate. Since humanism gives prime importance to a person’s autonomy, he can direct his own paths. Being the captain of his own ship, he controls the process of his existence. There is then a promise for each life towards psychological maturity. My patients who got stumped in depression can choose to be better-off whenever they want to. Some of my family members who suffer from alcohol addiction can actually overcome their condition if they recognize their autonomy as human beings. In a similar direction, I may choose to see the world in a pessimistic assessment based on the biting reality that I deal with daily. Then again, I may possibly decide to evaluate austere situations as trials that need to be surpassed. Rogers adds that personality change is quite viable. One of the most critical factors is self-acceptance. I am not blind to my own flaws. I have come to accept the faults of the people around me. Countless incidents have taught me that life is far from perfect. With this, I became more resolved in my conviction when it comes to second chances. Clearly, transformation goes through an extensive process. It starts in an organism’s certain part then it gradually affects his entirety. Therefore, like how each living thing grows, patience must be observed. Just like how a human being develops from a zygote to an adult, personality transformation goes through stages with proper nurturance. When I think of the people around me, this theory enthuses me to have a credence on unlimited possibilities. Hence it is vital for us to ascertain self-sufficiency not only regarding ourselves but to others as well. From childhood, it is helpful to establish the self as independent and responsible. In every relationship, success depends on acceptance of each other’s weaknesses with the confidence of advancement along the way. The Rogerian approach has moved me to have enough belief in myself so I can also empower individuals in my workplace as well as in my other social circles. There is nothing more liberating than the awareness of one’s competences and resources. As a nurse, I can offer courage and nurturance. As a son, my trust in my family’s strengths can bind us stronger. As a friend, my openness can pave way for security. Finally, as an individual, my self-respect can make all these things possible. References Myers, D. (2004). Psychology. New York, NY: Worth Publishers. Read More