Question

What are the ways in which we can achieve congruence between the Ideal self and the Real self?

Answer 1

According to Rogers, every individual wishes 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.

We can achieve congruence between the real self and the ideal self in the following ways.

1. set realistic goals and objectives
2. have a practical assessment of our strengths and limitations
3. have a sense of responsibility, and commitment to the set objectives
4. be flexible in adjusting the set goals and learn from past mistakes.