Chapter 10 Rogers: Person-Centered Theory
Chapter 10
Rogers: Person-Centered Theory
I.Overview of Rogers's Person-Centered Theory
Although Carl Rogers is best known as the founder of client-centered therapy,
he also developed an important theory of personality that underscores his
approach to therapy.
II.Biography of Carl Rogers
Carl Rogers was born into a devoutly religious family in a Chicago suburb in
1902. After the family moved to a nearby farm, Carl became interested in
scientific farming and learned to appreciate the scientific method. When he
graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Rogers intended to become a
minister, but he gave up that notion and completed a PhD in psychology from
Columbia University in 1931. In 1940, after nearly a dozen years away from
an academic life working as a clinician, he took a position at Ohio State
University. Later, he held positions at the University of Chicago and the
University of Wisconsin. In 1964, he moved to California, where he helped
found the Center for Studies of the Person. He died in 1987 at age 85.
III.Person-Centered Theory
Rogers carefully crafted his person-centered theory of personality to meet his
own demands for a structural model that could explain and predict outcomes of
client-centered therapy. However, the theory has implications far beyond the
therapeutic setting.
A. Basic Assumptions
Person-centered theory rests on two basic assumptions: (1) the formative
tendency that states that all matter, both organic and inorganic, tends to evolve
Feist, Theories of Personality, 8e Student Study
Guide-10 | 1
Person-centered Theoryby Carl R. RogersRogers formulated two basic assumptions:1.Formative Tendency –Rogers believed that there is a tendency for allmatter, both organic and inorganic, toevolve from simpler to morecomplex forms.For the entire universe, a creative process, rather than adisintegrative one, is in operation. For instance, complex organisms developfrom single cells; and human consciousness evolves from a primitiveunconsciousness to a highly organized awareness.2.Actualizing Tendency –The tendency within all humans (and other animalsand plants) tomove toward completion or fulfillment of potentials.This tendency is the only motive people possess. The need to satisfy one’shunger drive, to express deep emotions when they are felt, and to acceptone’s self are all examples of the single motive of actualization. Because eachperson operates as one complete organism, actualization involves the wholeperson—physiological and intellectual, rational and emotional, conscious andunconscious.Tendencies tomaintainand toenhancethe organism are subsumed withintheactualizing tendency.The need formaintenanceis similar to the lower steps on Maslow’shierarchy of needs. It includes such basic needs as food, air, and safety; but it alsoincludes the tendency to resist change and to seek the status quo. The conservativenature of maintenance needs is expressed in people’s desire toprotect theircurrent, comfortable self-concept.People fight against new ideas; they distortexperiences that do not quite fit; they find change painful and growth frightening.Even though people have a strong desire to maintain the status quo, they arewilling to learn and to change. This need to become more, to develop, and toachieve growth is calledenhancement.The need for enhancing the self is seen inpeople’s willingness to learn things that are not immediately rewarding. Other thanenhancement, what motivates a child to walk? Crawling can satisfy the need formobility, whereas walking is associated with falling and with pain. Rogers’ positionis that people are willing to face threat and pain because of a biologically basedtendency for the organism to fulfill its basic nature. Enhancement needs areexpressed in a variety of forms, including curiosity, playfulness, self-exploration,friendship, and confidence that one can achieve psychological growth.Human’s actualization tendency is realized only under certainconditions.Specifically, people must be involved in a relationship with a partner who is