The Prince of Zamunda and the Father of Client-Centered Theory - Coursework Example

Humanistic Personality Theory Analysis The Prince of Zamunda and the Father of Client-Centered Theory Due Human beings are interesting and unusual creatures. Have you ever wondered why some people react one way to a given situation and others completely differently? Why do people behave as they do? This is the kind of question that, essentially, gave birth to the concept of the science called psychology. The study of the human mind, behaviors, and emotions. There are many different schools of thought to answer the questions, not all are in agreement with others, each with unique and relevant interpretations. From Sigmund Freud’s earliest approach to psychoanalysis to the progressive work of modern researchers, the effort to understand the human “being,” from the inside out is no small feat; still, many have tried. The only way to truly understand these theories is to put them into practice to determine their applicability and relevance. There are several different theories that hope to explain the thoughts, emotions, and traits that motivate human beings; the Psychodynamic, Behaviorist, Biological, and Humanist theory all strive to discover the true motivations and core behaviors of the human mind. The latter, the Humanist theory, gained greatest acceptance in the mid-20th century and remains respected today.(Rincover, 1989) The theory can be best defined as a “philosophical movement that emphasizes the personal worth of the individual and the centrality of human values…(that) rests upon the complex philosophical foundations of existentialism and emphasizing the creative, spontaneous, and active nature of human beings.”("Humanistic perspectives on," 2003) In other words, it focuses more on the feelings of an individual and less on the function of the theory or technical elements of the approach. As stated before, the Humanist perspective gained its popularity in the 1950s, as an alternative to the existing psychological approaches that dominated the field; psychoanalysis, which focused on the unconscious motivations and Behaviorists, which focused upon the conditioning that produces behaviors. Humanists focused more on the individuals and their individual choices. There have been several notable humanist theorists throughout the years, Abraham Maslow, who introduced the understanding of the hierarchy of needs, from the biological imperatives for food, water, and the urge to procreate, but, also, the needs for safety, belonging, and esteem. Most importantly, Maslow, identified the needs for self-actualization, as a paramount need of the human experience.(Boeree, 2006) Carl Rogers’ interpretation of the humanist theory has earned him respect and the title of one of the most influential counselor and psychotherapists of all time by many.(Kirschenbaum, 2004) His work changed the theory in a few distinct ways. Carl Rogers was born in 1902 in a suburb of Chicago, to a large family of conservative Midwesterners, who were highly religious; they kept their children’s ability to be influenced, or corrupted, by the outside world to as little as possible. Roger’s family could be described as stoic; they did not encourage the expression of a lot of emotions. Rogers, originally, has planned to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a farmer, but decided that his “calling’ was more of a spiritual one and intended to enter a seminary. However, after returning from a trip to China, with new experiences that had “broadened his horizons,” so to speak, he left his current seminary school. He believed his interest was more an appreciation of “social gospel” rather than, his earlier, theological convictions. He enrolled in the Liberal Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He would again change his mind, and his major, to clinical psychology. It is for this pursuit, of course, that he is most known and celebrated. Rogers is credited with developing an original method, “to objectify the description and of the psychotherapeutic process.”(Kirschenbaum, 2004) He, also, is credited with creating testable theories as they relate to psychotherapy and human behavior. Rogers’s contributions are not only through his immense research, continuous teaching, and his successful practice, but, also, held quite esteemed positions in professional associations and organizations. He was an active member of the American Association of Social Workers and was president, at one time or another, of the American Association of Applied Psychology, American Academy of Psychotherapists, and American Psychological Association.(Kirschenbaum, 2004) Since his death, in 1987, his work has continued to inspire members of the modern field of psychology in Europe, Russia, and Latin America. So what was it that Carl Rogers believed that made his theory so revolutionary in its time. Carl Rogers’s particular theory and therapy approach was called “Client-Centered,” but it is, often, respectfully, referred to as Rogerian therapy. He made therapy less about the acts and influence of the therapist and more directed by the “client.” Rogers, himself, described his therapy style as, “supportive, not reconstructive.”(Boeree, 2006) Rogers even established what he believed to be necessary requirements of a good therapist; congruence, honesty with client, empathy, understanding and compassion, and Respect, given without judgment. He, also, brought a new sense of optimism to the existential element of self-actualization. Roger’s encouraged the idea that human beings are innately good by their nature. He believed that humans have one basic motive in their existence, which is the absolute need to self-actualize. Self-actualization is, in the humanist viewpoint, the total fulfillment of one’s highest possible potential. This motivation is equal in all humans, but the manifestation of self-actualization is as unique as individual beings are unique.(McLeod, 2007) The Rogerian style of the humanist theory claims that they ultimate need of every human being is to achieve self-actualization and become a “fully functioning person.” A large part of this process is becoming familiar with one’s “self concept.” Simply put, there are three components to every individual that makes up the totality of one’s “self.” The first, is self worth, or self esteem. Which is what we think of ourselves, secondly, self image, which is how we see ourselves, and, lastly, one’s “ideal self,” which is who we would like to be, the best version of ourselves. The last element may change over time as we grow and experience life. Not having the proper congruence of these elements will create imbalance in any individual. This can prevent the ultimate goal of self-actualization.(McLeod, 2007) As mentioned, previously, Rogerian theory, is remarked as highly optimistic perception in the nature of mankind; man is innately good. It is accepted today, that human personalities are formed by a multitude of elements, genetic, biological, and environmental, but humanists, like Rogers, believe that human beings are active in their existence, uniquely as in their individuality. Problems only occur when we allow ourselves to be too effected by the opinions, judgments, and expectations of others. In order to resolve this, one must rediscover their true feelings and their own “true self.”(Rincover, 1989) If personality is as unique as all individuals, then how can any rules apply to the grander population? Humanists would explain that the needs, wants, and desires are, generally, quite similar, but how individuals may achieve it them is, likely, to be different. This is not uncommon with philosophical perspectives, where life is more about the journey than the destination. In Rogerian therapy that destination is each person’s unique self-actualization and becoming a fully functioning person, the best way to understand, practically, Carl Rogers Client-Centered approach is to see the elements applied to an actual personality, with behaviors and actions to assess. In 1988 the film “Coming to America,” directed by John Landis, and co-written and starring, Eddie Murphy, was released to American theaters all over the country. This modern fairy-tale meets the Prince and the Pauper, is, both, comedic and surprisingly warming story. Murphy portrays Akeem Joffer, the Prince and heir of fictitious African kingdom called Zamunda. He leaves his status, wealth, and arranged betrothal behind, and escapes to the United States. His hope is to find love with someone who would love him unconditionally in return, not based on his title and material worth. (Murphy & Landis, 1988) The Prince, and, his friend and servant, Semmi, travel to Queens, New York, where Akeem takes a job at a, very “McDonalds-like, McDowells fast food restaurant. Akeem lies, presenting him and Semmi as college exchange students from a poor African community. He wins the affections of the restaurant owner’s daughter, Lisa, and he feels the same for her. When Akeem’s royal parents arrive, searching for their son, his story unravels. Lisa is hurt and angry at Akeems lie. Akeem reluctantly returns to Zamunda, apparently, consigned to his fate. However, on the day of his arranged wedding, it is, ultimately, Lisa underneath the veil, and they, ideally, live happily ever after.(Murphy & Landis, 1988) Carl Rogers’ theory indentified five characteristics that personify someone that has, in fact, a fully functioning person. First, being open to expenses where, both, the positive and the negative emotions are accepted, acknowledged, and dealt with. The second, existential living, refers to being “in touch” with all of life’s differing experiences, while avoid any predetermined , judgments, or conceptions; living in the present moment. Next, are trusting one’s own feelings, gut instincts, and natural reactions. The fourth identifier, of a fully functioning person is, the creative thinking and ability to take risks to facilitate change and new experiences. Lastly, is the actual fulfillment with their life. Ideally, it is the point when a person continues to seek new challenges and experiences, but is completely happy and satisfied with their immediate life. (McLeod, 2007) That said, it is fair to assess that when applying the Rogerian approach to the character of Akeem Joffer, it is clear that Prince is in the process of self-actualizing and on his way to becoming a fully functioning person; that is what we are seeing as the story progresses. Akeem was raised in a pampered and privileged environment, where everything he needs was decided and provided for him. This extended to everything, including his romantic life. Akeem is disenchanted with his life and uninspired by his complacent and obedient fiancé. He chooses to leave it behind. From a humanist’s perspective he has trust in his own instincts and choosing to act on it. His plan to abandon his money and station to live as a poor man in New York reflects his desire and ability to take risk, in order to find the kind of love that he believes is best for him. When he arrives he has no problem handing over a large portion of his monies to the homeless and fully embracing his minimum wage working persona and all the elements that come with it. This shows an optimistic and openness to new experiences, not all of which are pleasant, with a smile and positive outlook. He takes his job seriously even though his past is one of power and prestige; existentially he appears to be quite content to live in the moment. This is someone who, from a humanist viewpoint, is working towards that ultimate goal of self actualization. In the climax of the story, Akeem’s parents arrive, his lies have been revealed, the woman he loves is angered by his deception. He then returns to Africa with his family. It appears that all of that optimistic fire that fueled his fleeing to the United States, which urged him to seek “true love,” and that believed that the simple life of a working man was refreshing and worthwhile was gone. However, this can be explained well by Humanist thinking. Akeem was well in his way in the journey to self-actualization, trusting himself, and finding the love he sought. However, there came a point in the story when he stopped taking the steps to become congruent in aligning his self worth, self image, ideal self, and started seeing himself with the expectations that Lisa had of him. Therefore , when he disappointed her, he disappointed himself. He returns home, essentially, resigned to the fate his family chose for him. He is now mourning the past and seeing the future as somewhat dim; he is only going through the motions of the present, not living in it, as he should. Form a Humanist theoretical standpoint he is being stunted by where he is emotionally. Until he addresses the negative emotions and experiences and deals with them, he may remain stuck, emotionally, mentally, and psychologically. Of course, Akeem gets his happy ending and, ideally, fulfilling life with the woman that he loves. However, it is not due to Akeem’s actions and behaviors, but on the combined acts of his parents and Lisa. Akeem achieves his happiness and fulfillment, in a way, because Lisa made a huge leap in her own journey of self-actualization, forgiving his deception and realizing she did love him enough to travel across the world to be with her “Prince Charming.” Akeem is, ultimately, a fictitious character, designed to be likeable, endearing, and complex enough for his story to be interesting and engaging. As the protagonist, it is imperative for the audience to care about the character and support his growth and change. A character, like Akeem, that is on a journey to find their hearts desire, leaves what is familiar behind for new horizons, and makes an effort to become a better version of themselves is entirely alluring to an audience, because it is something all people can relate to. That said, that universal familiarity may just lend greater credence to Carl Rogers’s perspectives and the validity of the Humanistic approach. Despite all of the aspects of Rogerian Humanistic theory that are seemingly quite positive, there are elements that do create some opposition. Rogerian theory is humanizing, emphasizing the normal over the abnormal, embraces healthy, natural, development, and allows for all of the individuality of actual human behaviors. However, Humanist theory finds part of its parentage in existentialism. For this reason, many would argue that it is difficult to objectively define and test the concepts because the theory finds its origin in philosophy, more so, than “hard science.” Opposition would, also, argue that because the theory is based in the assumption of innate human goodness, which, of course, cannot be scientifically proven or guaranteed, this creates an unstable foundation for the theory.(Pack, 2006) The whole theory could be at risk of collapse if, for example, the opposite were true; human are innately evil by nature, or more likely, neutral in nature. The Humanist approach to psychology is still quite popular throughout the world. However, one researcher, John (Jack) Mayer, psychology professor and published author, believes the ideal way to study and approach personality psychology is in an integrated way. He combines elements of the works of Freud, Jung, and Rogers, as well as many others, with the research capabilities of modern technology and concepts. Teaching personality psychology through the eyes of the differing theories has been the tradition, but the different theories have a way of, often, and perpetually, contradicting on another. Mayer’s approach allows the application of the “scientific framework that uses previous theories together to focus one a single integrated picture of personality.” ("Professor develops new," 2006) He hopes that his research and the books he has written will aid in implementing his integrated theories into the future evolution of psychotherapy as a whole. Ultimately, much of what makes human beings so unique in their individuality if thoughts, ideas, emotions, and behaviors that remain a mystery. The brave and dedicated theorists have struggled to understand it, define it, and apply what they have learned. Yet, much still remains a mystery and will, perhaps, for some time to come. Men, like Carl Rogers, dedicated their life to such pursuits and used them to benefit others seeking to understand themselves. After all, who has not asked themselves, at one point in their life, “who am I?” Whether the answers are found in the work of any one of the theorists, any one theory, or in a culmination of integrated approaches, the work will always remain worthwhile. The Humanist approach seems the most open, encouraging, and individually focused; its appeal is obvious. It is reassuring to believe that we are all good at the core with a natural need to change and grow and improve is, in and of itself, motivating. Which is why the theory is still relied upon today and will, likely, continue to be highly regarded for generations to come? As for Akeem Joffer, we should be inspired by his journey of self-actualization throughout the course of his story. After all, according to the Humanistic theory, it is a journey that we are all intended to take, if we wish to find our own fulfillment. Carl Rogers believed that any person can achieve their goals, wishes, and desires in their lives, it is all about the need, “…to actualize, maintain, and enhance…” the experiences in the life that we live.(McLeod, 2007) References Boeree, C. G. (2006). Personality theories. Psychwatch.com. Retrieved from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/perscontents.html Kirschenbaum, H. (2004). Carl rogerss life and work: An assessment on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Journal of Counseling and Development : JCD, 82(1), 116-124. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/219027027?accountid=134061 McLeod, S. A. (2007). Carl rogers. Retrieved from http://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html Murphy, E. (Writer), & Landis, J. (Director) (1988). Coming to america [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094898/ Pack, S. (2006). Personality: Theory, research & assessment. (Masters thesis, Western Kentucky University)Retrieved from http://people.wku.edu/shana.pack/pppers.PDF Rincover, A. (1989, Oct 7). Humanists believe problems start when our feelings are ignored. Toronto Star. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview /436063265?accountid=134061 (2003). Humanistic perspectives on personality. Individual Differences Personality, Retrieved from http://www.wilderdom.com/personality/L10-2Humanistic.html Professor develops new way to understand personality and answer the age-old question, who am I?. (2006, June 27). US Fed News Service, Including US State News. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.ezproxy.apollolibrary.com/docview/473246324?accountid=134061 Read More