Question

Explain the theory of Self as proposed by Carl Rogers.

Answer 1

According to Rogers, every individual has to actualize himself. Mentally healthy persons have congruence between their experience and self-concept.

There are two important concepts related to this

1. Real self (self image) - It is what the person actually is in reality. It is our inner personality
2. Ideal self - It represents the ideal image developed by a person as he/she would like to be. It represents our dynamic ambitions and goals.

If there is incongruence between the real self and the ideal self it leads to maladjustment. If the ideal self and real self are congruent, our self concept is accurate.
Self actualization refers to the motive to realize our full potential as we strive to be fully functioning individuals. A person with high self worth can tolerate failure and cope with challenges of life while someone with low self worth tends to avoid challenges and cannot tolerate distress.

• The self-image is different from the ideal self.
• There is only a little overlap.
• Here self-actualization will be difficult.

• The self-image is similar to the ideal self.
• There is more overlap.
• This person can achieve self-actualization.