Describe the psychological distress’s root cause in terms of person-centered therapy.
Explain the cause of psychological distress according to the person-centred therapy.
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Describe the psychological distress’s root cause in terms of person-centered therapy.
Person-Centered Therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, posits that psychological distress arises from incongruence between an individual's self-concept and their actual experiences. According to this therapeutic approach, when there is a significant gap between the real self and the ideal self, emotional and psychological distress can emerge.
Incongruence in Self-Concept: Person-Centered Therapy identifies the self-concept as a crucial element in understanding psychological distress. The self-concept consists of an individual's perceptions, beliefs, and feelings about themselves. When there is incongruence between how a person sees themselves (the real self) and their idealized version (the ideal self), it can lead to inner conflict and emotional distress.
Conditions of Worth: Rogers introduced the concept of "conditions of worth" to describe the external standards and expectations that individuals internalize from significant others, such as parents, caregivers, or society. When individuals perceive that their worth is contingent upon meeting these conditions, they may develop a self-concept that is not in alignment with their authentic, innate feelings and experiences.
Lack of Unconditional Positive Regard: Another contributing factor to psychological distress in Person-Centered Therapy is the absence of unconditional positive regard. If individuals feel that their worth is only contingent on meeting certain conditions or conforming to external expectations, rather than being accepted for who they truly are, it can result in anxiety, frustration, and a sense of inadequacy.
Denial of True Feelings: Rogers argued that psychological distress can also arise when individuals deny or disown their true feelings and experiences. This may occur due to societal expectations, fear of judgment, or attempts to meet external conditions of worth. The denial of genuine feelings can create an internal conflict that contributes to distress.
Person-Centered Therapy aims to alleviate psychological distress by creating a therapeutic environment characterized by three core conditions: empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence (genuineness). Through these conditions, individuals are encouraged to explore and accept their true selves, fostering greater congruence between the real and ideal selves. As clients experience genuine acceptance and understanding, they are more likely to align their self-concept with their authentic experiences, reducing psychological distress and promoting personal growth.