Theoretical Analysis: Carl Rogers’s Humanistic Theory

Carl Rogers’ Humanistic Theory, set in the 1950s, is an optimistic view of human nature with a prime focus on personal growth, free will, and self-actualization. Contrasting with the theories of behaviorism and psychoanalysis, which stress outer stimuli or unconscious drive, Rogers’ approach focuses on the individual’s subjective experience and capacity for self-directed growth. His person-centered therapy strongly resembles modern psychological practice, especially in the facilitation of empathy, acceptance, and personal development.

Background and Basics of Theory: Historical Overview

Carl Rogers’ humanistic Theory emerged during the 1950s partly in response to the deterministic analyses of psychoanalysis and behaviorism, both of which held sway over the field of psychology during that historical period, as indicated by Tarzian et al. (2023). While psychoanalytic Theory emphasizes unconscious desires and behaviorists focus on observable behavior, Rogers assumes that people have free will and an innate tendency toward self-actualization or developing into their best potential. It was a product of its time, reflecting those societal values in the post-World War II period when personal autonomy and human potential were considered part of the highest good. While more fatalistic theories minimize the role of personal self-direction, Rogers’s optimism and era-endorsed belief in personal growth held that one does have control over one’s life.

Background and Basics of Theory: Historical Development

Carl Rogers’ Theory was the offshoot of opposition to such deterministic views about human behavior as held by Freud’s psychoanalysis and Skinner’s behaviorism. While Freud believed in unconscious desires, Skinner, in environmental conditioning, proposed that little control is exercised by individuals over their actions. Rogers, however, insisted that there are free wills and personal responsibilities, thus believing individuals to be active drivers of their lives instead of programmed products of their environment or unconscious compulsive drives (Yao & Kabir, 2023). His work as a therapist also influenced his Theory, where he felt traditional directive therapeutic methods were ineffective. Instead, Rogers draws together a non-directive, client-centered approach when it comes to therapists offering empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard. This implies that clients can express their feelings and thoughts regarding matters that bring personal growth and healing. Person-centered therapies were the foundational elements of Rogers’s humanist Theory, which emphasized the self-directivity of the person toward life and further self-actualization.

Background and Basics of Theory: Key Concepts

Carl Rogers’ humanistic Theory fits into human behaviors and the development of personality. One of the central ideas is self-actualization. In this human tendency, every individual wants to be through a better realization of oneself and have an operational life corresponding to his fundamental values. According to Rogers, self-actualization encompasses more fulfillment and psychological realization, as noted by Yao and Kabir (2023).

Notably, another critical concept in personality development is unconditional positive regard. He believed that a person grows and develops when valued and not judged. This treatment option, therefore, involves creating a noncritical and accepting environment where a client is allowed to express himself freely without hindrance. Should this unconditional positive regard not be present, individuals develop distorted self-concepts and incongruences with their natural and ideal selves.

Subsequently, the other hallmark is the organismic valuing process, which is the natural capacity to value experiences seen as pointing toward self-actualization (Maurer & Daukantaitė, 2020). When people are in touch with their internal selves, they act on choice, enabling self-actualization. However, societal imperatives and judgment by others can disconnect a person and keep one in a state of dislocation, leading to psychological maladjustment.

Background and Basics of Theory: Key Theorist(s)

Carl Rogers was born in 1902 and first studied agriculture before switching to psychology; this may have led him to view human growth as a natural process. He initially worked clinically but also as an academic progressed his client-centered form of therapy. Unlike Freud and the other psychoanalysts, Rogers emphasized the present and a person’s subjective experience, as indicated by Joseph (2021). Keeping this in mind, his clinical observations showed that the person could heal and grow if there were empathy, acceptance, and genuine support. It is just such principles that form the basis of his person-centered therapy. Based on existentialist and phenomenological philosophy, Rogers viewed individuals as capable of knowing themselves and making sense of life choices. Today, his person-centered approach remains one of psychology’s most widely used therapeutic models.

Background and Basics of Theory: How the Theory Is Used Today

Rogers’ Humanistic Theory still holds much sway in contemporary psychology, especially counseling and psychotherapy. The person-centered approach he pioneered remains the most used clinical therapy today and is effective in treating a broad array of psychological problems, including depression, anxiety, and feelings of low self-worth (Yao & Kabir, 2023). In short, this mode of intervention involves the therapist’s establishment of a non-directive atmosphere where the clients can express themselves freely regarding their thoughts and feelings without any fear of judgment. Therapy relationship becomes the primary medium of change, and the therapist facilitates the process through empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard.

In addition to its use in therapy, Rogers’ Theory has found application in other aspects of psychology, including positive psychology and multicultural counseling. Positive psychology, which promotes well-being and personal growth, shares many values with Rogers’ humanistic approach, as stressed by Ryff (2022). This adaptation of Rogers’s emphasis on empathy and understanding in multicultural counseling also recognizes the cultural context as significant in people’s experiences and perspectives.

Evaluation: Position Statement

The humanistic Theory of Carl Rogers is one of the most important psychological theories, which has functioned for a long time and is thus still highly applicable, especially to the clinical domain of personality psychology (Remmers, 2020). Various aspects of this Theory address concepts such as subjective experience, free will, and potential development, making an exceptional sense and harmony with present-day therapeutic doctrine, which pays much attention to the client’s well-being. Due to the focus of this Theory on empathy, positive regard, and self-actualization, it provides enough information about the therapeutic process; thus, it serves as the primary theoretical approach for person-centered therapy. Considering the increase in the rate of mental disorders in present-day society, it would not be surprising why, growing from rags to riches, Rodgers was so self-assured about the inherent goodness of people, let alone the change they are capable of.

Evaluation: Validity and Accuracy

Numerous research studies have supported Rogers’ Theory, particularly in psychotherapy. Empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence facilitated psychological growth and change. For example, research has found that when people perceived understanding and acceptance by their therapist, positive therapeutic outcomes were likely to occur, as Kadur et al. (2020) noted. However, one of the most fundamental criticisms of Rogers’ Theory is that it lacks the empirical rigors of more structured approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. The emphasis that Rogers places on subjective experience lends valuable insights into the human condition; however, since the nature of subjective reality itself is demonstrably hard to quantify and measure, it remains challenging to test hypotheses regarding the Theory in any scientific setting.

Furthermore, while psychologists embrace Rogers’s constructs of self-actualization and unconditional positive regard, critics argue that they are too idealistic. According to Gross (2019), the Theory probably does not consider those dark areas of human nature like aggression, selfishness, destructiveness, and others. Although fully aware that people can be violators of the rights of others, Rogers viewed this as happening if a person has unmet needs and lacks unconditional positive regard. Such an optimistic view of humanity contrasts Rogers’ Theory with many more pessimistic approaches, such as Freud’s psychoanalysis.

Evaluation: Cultural Perspectives

Rogers’ humanistic Theory is based upon beliefs of self-actualization or personal growth as universal human tendencies (Yao & Kabir, 2023). Critics, however, contend that the theoretical foundation incorporates Western values- essentially, the emphasis on individualism and personal freedom. In collectivist societies, in which the needs of the group often override the needs of the individual, the Theory of Rogers may be less applicable. Such specificity to the culture may be viewed in how personal growth is related to the family or community rather than to individualistic achievement. Despite these differences, there have been elements of Rogers’ core conditions that can be demonstrated across different cultural contexts through research: empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard. One or two studies found these to work just as well in collectivist cultures as in individualistic ones if the cultural context is considered.

Evaluation and Comparison: Strengths and Weaknesses

One of the strengths is that Rogers’ Humanistic Theory believes in the inherent goodness of individuals and their growth capabilities, as Taghinezhad et al. (2022) noted. This aspect of human nature has made the Theory quite successful, especially in therapeutic settings, in promoting personal development and psychological well-being. The emphasis that Rogers places on the therapeutic relationship, particularly empathy and unconditional positive regard, has been widely lauded as an effective manner of creating changes within the psyche.

Besides, it also has weaknesses. Among the major criticisms, it is said to be an empirically unsupported theory of some of its key concepts, such as self-actualization and the organismic valuing process. While Rogers’ ideas have been widely spread in the psychological field, they have not been tested as widely as other theories, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy. Moreover, critics find Rogers’ view of human nature unreal and unduly optimistic because he does not consider the inhumane acts that humanity is capable of.

Evaluation and Comparison: Alternative Personality Theories

Comparing the Rogers Humanistic Theory with other personality theories, such as CBT and Psychoanalytic Theory, postulates a different outlook on human behavior and personality development. For example, CBT will dwell on thought patterns and behaviors and their role in personality development based mostly on observable and measurable factors, as Chand et al. (2023) indicated. On the contrary, Rogers’ Theory relates more to the individual’s subjective experience and emotional growth. Psychoanalytic theory, on the other hand, explored unconscious motives and childhood experiences, which Rogers believed to be less essential than the current experiences of the person and his ability for growth.

Despite these many differences, these various theories make multiple valuable contributions to understanding human behavior. For example, although CBT is more structured and empirically based, it may not thoroughly explain the intricacies of human emotions and subjective experiences. Salmon (2020) argues that psychoanalytic theory, focusing on unconscious wants, better explains other personality characteristics. However, it often lacks that humanistic orientation toward personal growth and self-actualization, which is a critical way to approach Rogers.

Evaluation and Comparison: Defense

Despite specific objections, Rogers’ Humanistic Theory is still relevant in modern psychology, especially in therapeutic contexts. Much emphasis has been given to empathy, unconditional positive regard, and the therapeutic relationship in this Theory, hence making it highly applicable to the treatment of Anxiety Disorder, Depression, and Self-esteem problems. Although other theories, like CBT and Psychoanalytic Theory, are more organized or ‘structured,’ Rogers’ emphasis on personal growth and an individual’s subjective experience gives a broader view of human development. Besides, the adaptability of this Theory in various cultural contexts has further underlined its relevance to psychology.

Application: Contemporary Relevance

The work of Rogers remains highly valid in mainstream psychology to this date, particularly in therapy. Treatment based on person-centered therapy originating from Rogers’ ideas widely helps people overcome different psychological problems, such as anxiety and depression, and even problems with self-esteem (Yao & Kabir, 2023). Thus, the Theory’s emphasis on empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard makes it particularly fit to treat the mental health challenges characteristic of the modern world. For instance, in today’s society, which is bombarded by societal expectations and pressures from social media, Rogers’ ideas on self-acceptance and congruence have never been more apposite.

Application: Real-world problem or Phenomenon

Among the current urgent mental health issues, considerable attention is given to the impact of social media on self-image. Many individuals feel this incongruence between their authentic and idealized selves online. This incongruence is likely to make many people feel insufficient, anxious, and depressed. Here, Rogers’ Humanistic Theory offers a valuable framework in which incongruence can be resolved and self-acceptance fostered in an approach that offers therapy that may assist people to come closer to their natural and ideal selves, thus reducing psychological discomfort and enhancing mental health.

Conclusion: Summary

Humanistic Theory by Rogers has grown from a straightforward radical approach to psychoanalysis and behavioral theories. It is now considered one of the most mainstream current psychological theories. The pillars of this theory include emphatic understanding, unconditional positive regard, and actualization. All the same, these are logs that have been adapted to suit contemporary psychological approaches like multicultural therapy or positive psychology. Although Rogers’ approach has numerous analytical problems because of more empirical ideas, it is important to acknowledge that Rogers still makes a substantial contribution to the field of personality psychology.

Conclusion: Future Relevance of the Theory

The application of Rogers’s humanistic theory will likely continue in the psychological arena for at least the foreseen future. There are several other recommendations about the subsequent advancement of this theory and the introduction of technology to therapy. The technology might complement person-centered therapy by adding artificial intelligence, offering a person even more details about what has been said regarding their concerns. However, as technology may become even more of a mainstay in the everyday practice of therapy, the compassion and interpersonal connection that Rogers educated his customers about remain imperative.

References

Chand, S. P., Kuckel, D. P., & Huecker, M. R. (2023). Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470241/

Gross, R. (2019). Being Human. In Routledge eBooks. Informa. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429055003

Joseph, S. (2021). How Humanistic Is Positive Psychology? Lessons in Positive Psychology From Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Approach—It’s the Social Environment That Must Change. Frontiers in Psychology, 12(709789), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.709789

Kadur, J., Lüdemann, J., & Andreas, S. (2020). Effects of the therapist’s statements on the patient’s outcome and the therapeutic alliance: A systematic review. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 27(2), 168–178. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2416

Maurer, M. M., & Daukantaitė, D. (2020). Revisiting the organismic valuing process theory of personal growth: A theoretical review of Rogers and its connection to positive psychology. Frontiers in Psychology, 11(1706). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01706

Remmers, A. (2020). Theoretical Foundations and Roots of Positive Psychotherapy. Positive Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychology, 34(2), 297–307. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-33264-8_25

Ryff, C. D. (2022). Positive Psychology: Looking Back and Looking Forward. Frontiers in Psychology, 13(2). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.840062

Salmon, W. C. (2020). Psychoanalytic Theory and Evidence. Psychoanalysis Scientific Method and Philosophy, 32(2), 252–267. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429338403-18

Taghinezhad, F., Mohammadi, E., Khademi, M., & Kazemnejad, A. (2022). Humanistic Care in Nursing: Concept Analysis Using Rodgers’ Evolutionary Approach. Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, 27(2), 83–91. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijnmr.ijnmr_156_21

Tarzian, M., Ndrio, M., & Fakoya, A. O. (2023). An introduction and brief overview of psychoanalysis. Cureus, 15(9), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.45171

Yao, L., & Kabir, R. (2023, February 9). Person-Centered therapy (Rogerian therapy). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589708/

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Overview
The final project for this course is focused on one specific personality theory (or set of theories) for which you will demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of the subject matter, provide a nuanced, critical analysis of the subject matter, and illustrate the theory’s relevance in the field today.
This will be accomplished by producing a theoretical analysis which will include a detailed description of the theories’ major concepts, the key theorists, and the published research regarding the theory. You will provide a critical analysis of the validity of the theory, its strengths and weaknesses, and the cultural utility of the theory. Finally, you will consider the theory’s contemporary relevance and its place within the larger context of the field of personality psychology by proposing an application of the theory to a contemporary issue or phenomenon and discussing the possible future development of this theory.
The project will be developed over the length of the course as you will submit three outlines for feedback before completing the final draft. The outlines will be due in Modules Three, Five, and Seven. The final product will be submitted in Module Nine.
Refer to the Project Topics document (linked in the project review task in Module One) for a list of approved theories for this project.

In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:
● Evaluate the use of personality theories in published research for validity and contemporary relevance
● Analyze contemporary theories in personality psychology for their changing roles in the field over time
● Defend the use of personality psychology theories by assessing them against alternative theoretical perspectives
● Illustrate the applicability of theories in personality psychology to contemporary issues and different cultural perspectives
● Formulate conclusions on the contemporary use of theories in personality psychology based on theoretical analysis