Summary of Major Theorists/Theories

Question 1

Summary of Rogers:

Answer 1

Structure: self/ideal self

Process/motivation: Self-actualisation; congruence and incongruence (distortion and denial)

Growth and Development: Congruence and self-actualization versus incongruence and defensiveness

Pathology: Defensive maintenance of self; incongruence

Therapeutic change: Therapeutic atmosphere: unconditional pos’ve regard, empathy

Question 2

Summary of trait approaches:

Answer 2

Structure: traits

Process/motivation: Traits as causes of action

Growth and Development: Contributions of hereditary and environment to traits

Pathology: Extreme scores on trait dimensions

Therapeutic change: No formal model

Question 3

Summary of learning approaches:

Answer 3

Structure: Response

Process/motivation: classical, instrumental, and operant conditioning

Growth and development: schedules of reinforcement

Pathology: Maladaptive learning response patterns

Therapeutic Change: Reinforcement; desensitization; behavioural modification