Person-Centered Theory by Carl Rogers - Research Paper Example

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