focus on the self, congruence, conditions of worth

Question 1

focus on the self

Answer 1

Our concept of self comes from the opinions of others (positive regard) and our own feelings of self-worth, which develop in childhood and are the result of interactions with our parents.

Question 2

congruence

Answer 2

We have our own self-concept (how we actually see ourselves) and an ideal self (how we would like to be).
If there is similarity between actual and ideal self, we are said to be in a state of congruence.
However, if there is a large gap between actual and ideal self this leads to incongruence and negative feelings of self-worth.
This means that self-actualisation occurs when a person’s “ideal self” (who they would like to be) is congruent with their actual behaviour (self-image).
The main determinant of whether we will become self-actualised is childhood experience.

Question 3

conditions of worth

Answer 3

The conditions that a person perceives significant others put upon them, and which they believe have to be in place if they are to be accepted by others and to see themselves positively. A person will only experience self-acceptance if they feel that they meet the expectations that others have set as conditions of acceptance.

Question 4

conditional & unconditional positive regard

Answer 4

Although others can help the process of self-actualisation, they may also hinder it.
People that are significant in our lives give us unconditional positive regard and conditional positive regard and these play a role in development of our conditions of worth.
When love and acceptance is unconditional, for example the love a parent has for a child, this is known as unconditional positive regard.
However, when love and acceptance is conditional, for example when someone says to another, “I will only love you if..” or “I will only be your friend if..” this is known as conditional positive regard.