¶ … Carl Rogers in interesting in that it provides the reader with insight into his thinking. Personally, what I find most interesting about Rogers' thinking is the fact that he focuses his theories on the person-centered approach, rather than on the theoretical approach to therapy. In this, he departs from other theorists of his time, as well as those who preceded him.
What struck me most when beginning to read the paper is Rogers' view of humanity as inherently positive and rational in orientation. I found it hard to believe that a theorist who has studied humanity for years could possibly come to such a conclusion. To me, Freud's assessment of humanity as essentially negative and destructive appeared much closer to the truth, if today's newspapers are to be believed.
Upon reading further, however, the explanation of the reasons behind Rogers' basic theories began to make more sense, as well as to give me some hope for humanity. The forces of socialization, according to Rogers, is what creates a discrepancy between the self and the drive towards actualization. At the core of the discrepancy is conditional positive self-regard. The conditions created for positive self-regard is often what creates the lack of adjustment and misbehavior so often found in the world today. According to Rogers, therapy can remove these conditions and move humanity closer towards the self-actualization that is the basic drive in all living organisms.
I agree with the reading that Rogers' theories incorporates some fundamental weaknesses, one of which is the fact that he distinguishes only between two extremes. In studying humanity, nothing can be viewed in such simple terms. However, I also agree with the point that Rogers has made an important contribution to psychology, especially during these times, when the social consciousness is moving towards a more positive view of the world and the selves functioning within the world.
