Carl Rogers was an American psychologist and psychotherapist who is known for his contributions to the development of the humanistic approach to psychology. Rogers' theory of personality, known as person-centered therapy, emphasizes the individual's subjective experience and their innate potential for personal growth and self-actualization.
According to Rogers, every individual has the inherent drive to fulfill their unique potential and become their true selves. This drive, known as the "actualizing tendency," is hindered by the individual's self-concept, which is shaped by their experiences and interactions with others. When the self-concept is in conflict with the individual's actualizing tendency, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, insecurity, and low self-esteem.
Rogers believed that the key to unlocking an individual's full potential is through a therapeutic relationship that is characterized by empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness. When the therapist provides these conditions, the individual is able to freely express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. This creates a safe and supportive environment for the individual to explore their self-concept and work towards self-actualization.
In addition to person-centered therapy, Rogers also developed the concept of "congruence," which refers to the alignment between an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. When an individual is congruent, they are able to authentically and openly express their true selves. This is in contrast to "incongruence," where an individual's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are not in alignment and they may feel disconnected from their true selves.
Rogers' theory has had a significant impact on the field of psychology and is still widely studied and applied in modern therapy. His emphasis on the individual's subjective experience and their innate potential for growth has influenced a number of other theories and approaches, including existential therapy and positive psychology.
Overall, Carl Rogers' theory of personality highlights the importance of the therapeutic relationship in helping individuals explore and understand their self-concept and work towards self-actualization. His contributions to the field of psychology continue to be highly influential and relevant today.