Theory Came to realize that one’s level of self insight was the single most

predictor of behavior over family environment and social interactions.

Personality can only be understood from an individuals own viewpoint based on his / her subjective experiences

Clinical diagnoses have no other purpose that to make the therapist feel secure As a result, the self (the sum total of the organism’s experiences)

became the core of his theory of personality (as well as his counseling method)

Theory Self actualization is one of the master motives of self Self actualization is part of a larger process called the actualization

tendency The built in motivation present in every life-form to develop its

potentials to the fullest extent possible Starts at birth. Encompasses all physiological and psychological needs and

development

Theory

Chose the word self-actualizing rather than self-actualized to signify that development of self is on going and always in progress.

Theory Our personal experiences are evaluated by how well they serve the

actualization tendency through the process called the organismic valuing process

Those that hinder the self actualization process are assigned a negative value

Those that enhance actualization are evaluated as good and desirable and given a positive value

This influences behavior because most of us attempt to avoid negative things

It also allows us to be able to trust our feelings

Theory The development of the self is a major manifestation of the

actualizing tendency Development of self involves the need for positive regard

Universal and persistent need for acceptance, love and approval from others (especially mother)

At first this is external from others, but becomes internal Positive self regard: self esteem, self worth, and a positive

self image

Theory Ultimately, Roger’s felt everyone should be treated

with unconditional positive regard (which promotes the actualization tendency) Regard that is granted freely and fully Not dependent on behavior Should also be able to offer this to others and to ourselves

Theory Society interferes though by offering conditional positive

regard (introjection) Regard is given under certain conditions Can lead to conditional positive self-regard Both override the organismic valuing process

Theory The part of our being that is founded in the actualizing

tendency, follows organismic valuing, and needs and receives positive regard and positive self regard is called the real self (I am).

Under conditional regard and conditional self regard we develop an ideal self (I should)

Theory The gap between these two is called incongruity. The more incongruent, the more neurotic

Stop using our organismic valuing process

Qualities of a Fully Functioning Person Openness to experience

Fully aware and accepting of one’s experiences in the world, including one’s feelings

No experience is distorted or denied Existential living

Capacity to experience life fully and richly, in the here and now as opposed to the past and future

Qualities of a Fully Functioning Person

Organismic trusting Allow ourselves to be guided by the organismic valuing process

and trust ourselves to do what feels right and comes natural. Trust their own reactions rather than be guided by the opinions

of others or by a social code Assumes one is in contact with the actualizing tendency

Experiential freedom We acknowledge our feeling of freedom in taking responsibility

for our choices

Qualities of a Fully Functioning Person Creativity

We contribute to the actualization of others through creativity in arts, sciences, social concern, etc. (generativity)

Also do not require predictability Live in harmony with others

Practice reciprocal unconditional positive regard

Emerging Persons Open and honest Indifferent to material comforts and rewards Caring Deep distrust of cognitively based science and a technology that uses

science to exploit and harm nature and people Trust in their own experience and have a profound distrust of external

authority

Why are you in psychology?How will you survive in

psychology?

Survival skills

Be open to knowing yourself. Set good boundaries. Develop a support system. Develop coping skills.