Carl Rogers Theories Self actualization

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Carl Rogers ' Theories

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Carl Rogers ' Theories

The characteristics exhibited by Manuel are in accordance with the theories of Carl Rogers , who was well known as an American psychologist and one of the earliest contributors to the movement called phenomenology , which is more popularly known as client-centered therapy (Raskin , 2001 . Rogers ' theory was formulated in the years between 1957 when he returned to the University of Wisconsin to teach , and 1987 , when he died . Rogers joined the University 's faculty and

got disillusioned with higher education because there was too much conflict in the academe . Thus , his disillusionment led him to engage instead in clinical work and it eventually made him develop his own theory (Kirschenbaum , 2001

Rogers ' clinical theory consists of a number of positive values he attributes to humans . For example , he assumes that it is human nature to be intrinsically good and healthy , which assumption is a far cry from Freud 's theory . Rogers believed that the normal progression of life consists of mental health . Moreover , Rogers believes that human nature has the capacity of organismic valuing ' which refers to the innate tendency of man to know and want what is good for him , and the corresponding keenness to detect and reject which is bad for him (Raskin , 2001

Rogers ' theory emphasizes that humans have certain important qualities among which are choice , valuation , creativity and self-actualization hence the term humanistic psychology was attributed to him . Rogers believed that humans have needs , such as esteem needs , physiological needs , and aesthetic needs . These needs are arranged hierarchically , and the need occupying the highest position is the need for self-actualization . Rogers ' theory holds that the ultimate concern of humanistic psychology is the development of the inherent potential of each person . Indeed , Rogers concentrated his theory on the construct of the self and personality change . He believed that through therapy , an individual would be able to reach maturity , and become that which he most deeply is (Anderson , 2001

In addition , Rogers assumed that it is human nature to value positive self-regard , which refers to the state of having a positive self-image self-esteem , and a feeling of self-worth (Anderson , 2001 . This is the reason why people strive for self-actualization . In the given situation it appears that Manuel , in desiring to pursue his love for painting and art , shows his innate yearning for self-actualization . His dedication to his day job is a testament to Rogers ' theory of hierarchy of needs Manuel needed work with a steady income , which could provide for his basic needs . However , he also needed to pursue his higher interests in for him to reach his potentials

Manuel 's situation is often replicated in our daily lives . Oftentimes there are certain urges among people to pursue goals that were not part of the plan . The need to meet these goals come from a person 's being and is not borne of necessity . This illustrates Rogers ' theory of the need for...