Chapter 11: Carl Rogers and the Person-Centered Perspective Multiple Choice Questions 1. Throughout his working life, Rogers’s philosophical viewpoint remained consistently A) realistic and political. B) optimistic and humanitarian. C) sober and scientific. D) pragmatic yet spiritual. Answer: B Rationale: Rogers's philosophical viewpoint was characterized by optimism and humanism. He believed in the inherent goodness and potential of individuals, which is reflected in his therapeutic approach focused on facilitating personal growth and self-actualization. 2. In Rogers’s first formal theory of therapy, he suggested that the major directing force in the therapeutic relationship should be the A) collaborative atmosphere. B) universal force. C) therapist. D) client. Answer: D Rationale: In his client-centered therapy, Rogers emphasized the importance of the client as the major directing force in the therapeutic relationship. He believed that the client, not the therapist, knows what is best for their own growth and development. 3. In the latter part of his career, in moving away from psychotherapy Rogers specifically explored the changing trends and values in A) social institutions including the media. B) the political arena. C) normal marriages. D) early childhood education. Answer: C Rationale: In the latter part of his career, Rogers became interested in applying his humanistic principles to areas beyond psychotherapy, including normal marriages and relationships. He explored how his ideas could enhance the quality of everyday life and relationships. 4. In contrast to Freud’s “almost rabbinical” quality of psychoanalysis, Rogers incorporated A) a Protestant ethic. B) a subliminally spiritual approach. C) a less formal doctor-patient relationship. D) family therapy techniques. Answer: A Rationale: Rogers incorporated a Protestant ethic into his approach, emphasizing values such as individual autonomy, personal responsibility, and the importance of personal growth and self-actualization. 5. Which of the following is included in a person’s field of experience? A) Introspection B) Observed reality C) Perceptions and sensations D) Objective reality Answer: C Rationale: A person's field of experience includes their perceptions, sensations, and subjective experiences of the world, which shape their understanding and interpretation of reality. 6. Rogers believed that to see oneself accurately and to be comfortable with oneself is a sign of A) good fortune. B) destabilization. C) integration. D) mental health. Answer: D Rationale: Rogers believed that mental health is characterized by congruence between one's self-concept and actual experiences. Being comfortable with oneself and seeing oneself accurately indicate a high level of congruence and mental health. 7. Personal power is the process of gaining, using, sharing or relinquishing power, control, and A) emotionality. B) intelligence. C) decision making. D) knowledge. Answer: C Rationale: Personal power involves the ability to gain, use, share, or relinquish power, control, and decision-making in one's life. It is about having the autonomy and agency to make choices and take action. 8. Congruence means A) the opposite of apathy. B) the meeting of social and personal needs. C) the full cooperation of the client and the therapist in client-centered therapy. D) the degree to which the reality of the situation is being perceived. Answer: D Rationale: Congruence refers to the degree to which an individual's self-concept aligns with their actual experiences and feelings. It reflects the accuracy and authenticity of one's perception of reality. 9. In a mental hospital, a patient who declares that she doesn’t know where she is, what the hospital is, or even who she is, is exhibiting A) a high degree of incongruence. B) a high degree of confluence. C) feelings of low self-worth. D) present-centeredness. Answer: A Rationale: The patient's statements indicate a high degree of incongruence, as there is a significant mismatch between her self-concept and her current experiences and awareness. 10. Rogers concluded that individuals have the capacity to experience and to become aware of their own A) private logic. B) maladjustments. C) unconscious processes. D) cognitive schemas. Answer: B Rationale: Rogers believed that individuals have the capacity to become aware of and correct their maladjustments, leading to personal growth and self-improvement. 11. The tendency toward health is facilitated by relationships with others who are in touch with their A) higher selves. B) shadow sides. C) social networks. D) self-correcting centers. Answer: C Rationale: Rogers believed that relationships with others who are in touch with their own experiences and emotions, as seen in social networks, can facilitate personal growth and well-being. 12. In conditions of worth, a person’s feelings will likely find a(n) A) inappropriate outlet of expression. B) appropriate outlet of expression. C) balanced expression. D) efficient channel for expression. Answer: A Rationale: In conditions of worth, individuals may feel pressured to suppress or distort their true feelings, leading to inappropriate or unhealthy ways of expressing those feelings. 13. Rogers concluded that any long-term, intimate relationship, including marriage, is based on A) sporadic commitment. B) suppression of feelings. C) adopting specific roles. D) becoming a separate self with the capacity to share one’s inner life. Answer: D Rationale: Rogers believed that healthy, intimate relationships are based on individuals becoming separate selves who can share their inner lives with each other, rather than adopting specific roles or suppressing their feelings. 14. Which one of the following ways of determining what is real is used by psychologically mature people, in Rogers’s view? A) Interspecies knowing B) Mathematics C) Interpersonal knowing D) Cost-benefit analysis Answer: C Rationale: According to Rogers, psychologically mature individuals use interpersonal knowing to understand reality, relying on empathy and understanding of others' experiences. 15. The goal of interpersonal knowing is to comprehend the other’s experience as the other A) defines it. B) experiences it. C) describes it. D) entity in the situation. Answer: B Rationale: The goal of interpersonal knowing is to understand the other's experience as they actually experience it, rather than how they define it or describe it. 16. Which of the following is one of three distinct characteristics of the fully functioning person? A) Closed to experience B) Vulnerable C) Living in the future D) Trusting in one’s inner urgings and intuitive judgments Answer: D Rationale: Rogers described the fully functioning person as someone who trusts in their inner urgings and intuitive judgments, suggesting openness to experience and self-awareness. 17. Person-centered therapy is a way to free the client to resume his or her A) studies. B) relationships. C) work. D) normal development. Answer: D Rationale: Person-centered therapy aims to free the client from psychological barriers and facilitate their normal development and self-actualization. 18. T-group experiences can lead to personality changes previously associated with A) long-term psychotherapy. B) “rebirthing” techniques. C) life-threatening illnesses. D) brief psychotherapy. Answer: A Rationale: T-group experiences, which involve intensive group interactions aimed at increasing self-awareness and interpersonal skills, can lead to personality changes similar to those seen in long-term psychotherapy. 19. Rogerian therapy has proven effective in the treatment of many issues including: phobias, schizophrenia, and A) dissociative identity disorder. B) conduct disorder. C) perfectionism. D) post-traumatic stress disorder. Answer: D Rationale: Rogerian therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of issues, including phobias, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder, due to its focus on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity in the therapeutic relationship. 20. Critics of Rogers’s positive view of the human condition worry that he is glossing over the A) necessity of conflict in relationships. B) prolonged training of the psychologist. C) dark side of humanity. D) importance of imperfection. Answer: C Rationale: Critics of Rogers argue that his positive view of human nature may overlook the darker aspects of humanity, such as aggression, selfishness, and destructive behavior, which are important considerations in understanding human behavior and relationships. True False Questions 21. Rogers believed that impulses, if not controlled, would lead to destruction of self and others. Answer: False Rationale: Rogers believed that individuals have a self-actualizing tendency, which is a constructive and growth-oriented force. He did not view impulses as inherently destructive but rather as natural expressions of human needs and desires. 22. Rogers was an extraverted child and a gifted student who loved socializing with others his age. Answer: False Rationale: Rogers described himself as a shy and introverted child, often feeling isolated from others. He did not consider himself an extravert. 23. During 1928 to 1939, Rogers exchanged a formal, directive approach to therapy for what he later called client-centered therapy. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers transitioned from a more formal, directive approach to therapy to a more client-centered approach, which emphasized empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship. 24. Regarding the training of psychologists at the time, Rogers attacked the implicit assumption that the student could be trusted to effectively pursue his or her own professional learning. Answer: False Rationale: Rogers emphasized the importance of trusting the student to pursue their own professional learning and personal growth, rather than relying on a rigid and directive approach to education. 25. Rogers developed his theory primarily from his own clinical experiences. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers developed his theory of person-centered therapy based on his extensive clinical experiences with clients, which led him to emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship in facilitating personal growth and self-actualization. 26. A fundamental premise of Rogers’s theory is the assumption that people use their experiences to define themselves. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers believed that individuals use their subjective experiences, including their perceptions, feelings, and thoughts, to define themselves and their place in the world. 27. Rogers wrote that the self is an entity of slow accretion that learns in a step-by-step fashion. Answer: False Rationale: Rogers viewed the self as constantly evolving and changing, rather than as an entity of slow accretion. He emphasized the fluid and dynamic nature of the self-concept. 28. Part of human nature, the self-actualizing tendency is part of the process of all living things. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers believed that the self-actualizing tendency is a natural and inherent part of human nature, driving individuals towards growth, fulfillment, and the realization of their potential. He also suggested that this tendency is present in all living organisms. 29. Rogers sees the drive towards health as an overwhelming force that sweeps aside obstacles to growth. Answer: False Rationale: While Rogers believed in the inherent drive towards growth and self-actualization, he did not view it as an overwhelming force. He acknowledged that individuals may face obstacles and challenges in their path to personal growth, which can be addressed through therapy and personal reflection. 30. Central to the purpose of the organism and crucial to the whole of Rogers’s thought is the assumption that growth is possible. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers believed strongly in the possibility of personal growth and self-improvement. He emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and empathetic environment to facilitate this growth process. 31. Rogers sought to restructure organizations, such that the personal power of each of the members would be taken into account. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers believed in empowering individuals within organizations, allowing them to express their personal power and contribute to the organization's goals and values. 32. For Rogers, the particular form of disturbance is less critical than the recognition that it is this incongruence which demands resolution. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers believed that the key to personal growth and development is recognizing and addressing incongruence between one's self-concept and experiences, regardless of the specific form of disturbance or issue. 33. Conflicting feelings and ideas are normal and healthy, and are in themselves symptomatic of incongruence. Answer: False Rationale: Rogers believed that conflicting feelings and ideas could be symptomatic of incongruence, but he did not view them as inherently healthy or normal. Instead, he emphasized the importance of resolving such conflicts to achieve greater congruence. 34. Rogers suggested adjustment is a static state in which new learning and new experiences become fixed. Answer: False Rationale: Rogers viewed adjustment as a dynamic and ongoing process of growth and self-discovery, rather than a static state where new learning and experiences become fixed. 35. Acceptance of oneself is crucial to an easier and more genuine acceptance of others. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers believed that self-acceptance is fundamental to genuine acceptance of others, as accepting and understanding oneself allows for greater empathy and understanding of others' experiences. 36. Conditions of worth lead to congruence and eventually to personal awareness. Answer: False Rationale: Conditions of worth, which involve basing one's self-worth on external factors such as approval or acceptance from others, can lead to incongruence and a lack of personal awareness, according to Rogers. 37. Rogers observed that psychotic behavior often seems to be the acting out of a previously denied aspect of an individual’s experience. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers observed that psychotic behavior can sometimes be linked to the unconscious acting out of denied or repressed aspects of an individual's experience, highlighting the importance of addressing and integrating these aspects in therapy. 38. Interactions with others are crucial to developing awareness and the capacity for high congruence. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers believed that interactions with others, particularly in the context of empathetic and genuine relationships, are essential for developing self-awareness and achieving congruence between one's self-concept and experiences. 39. Our personalities become invisible to us through relating to others. Answer: False Rationale: Rogers believed that relating to others can actually help illuminate aspects of our personalities that may be hidden or unconscious, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth. 40. Rogers denied the intellect as a tool that may serve effectively in integrating one’s experience. Answer: False Rationale: Rogers did not deny the intellect as a tool for integrating one's experience. Instead, he emphasized the importance of integrating intellectual understanding with emotional and experiential insights to achieve greater congruence and personal growth. 41. Research in creative problem solving indicates that a person “knows” that he or she is on the right track long before discovering what the solution will include. Answer: True Rationale: Studies on creative problem solving suggest that individuals often have a sense of being on the right track before they fully understand or articulate the solution. This intuitive sense can guide their problem-solving process. 42. Rogers initially used the word person and later the word client rather than the traditional term patient. Answer: False Rationale: Rogers used the term client throughout his career to emphasize the collaborative and non-hierarchical nature of the therapeutic relationship, moving away from the more traditional term patient, which implies a passive role. 43. Rogerian therapists may be directive at times and may even assign homework or cognitive and behavioral strategies. Answer: True Rationale: While Rogerian therapy is generally non-directive and focuses on the client's self-exploration, therapists may use directive techniques, such as assigning homework or suggesting cognitive and behavioral strategies, to support the client's growth and development. 44. Rogers’s emotionally honest approach to conflict resolution allows for highly-charged interactions. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers emphasized the importance of emotional honesty and authenticity in conflict resolution, which can lead to highly-charged interactions as individuals express their true feelings and perspectives. 45. Rogers’s ideas fulfill a particularly American need to rely on authority for direction. Answer: False Rationale: Rogers's ideas emphasize individual autonomy, self-direction, and personal responsibility, which are not necessarily aligned with a reliance on authority for direction. His approach is more about empowering individuals to trust their own experiences and inner guidance. 46. Rogers stated that he is most satisfied politically when every person is helped to become aware of his or her own power and strength. Answer: True Rationale: Rogers believed in empowering individuals to become aware of their own power and strengths, both in therapy and in society at large. He viewed this awareness as crucial for personal growth and social change. Essay Questions 47. Discuss Rogers’s fundamental assumption that people define themselves through observing and evaluating their own experiences. What basic premises are behind this assumption? Answer: Rogers's fundamental assumption is that individuals define themselves through their subjective experiences, including their perceptions, feelings, and thoughts. This assumption is based on several basic premises: 1. Subjective experience: Rogers believed that individuals' subjective experiences, rather than external criteria or societal standards, are central to their self-definition. People interpret and evaluate their experiences based on their own unique perspectives and understanding. 2. Self-concept: Rogers argued that individuals develop a self-concept, which is their perception of themselves, based on their experiences and interactions with others. This self-concept influences how they view themselves and their capabilities. 3. Congruence: Rogers believed that psychological health and well-being are linked to congruence between one's self-concept and actual experiences. When there is a mismatch between the two, it can lead to feelings of incongruence and psychological distress. 4. Self-awareness: Rogers emphasized the importance of self-awareness in personal growth and development. By reflecting on their experiences and evaluating them, individuals can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their motivations. Overall, Rogers's assumption highlights the subjective and personal nature of self-definition, emphasizing the importance of individuals' own interpretations and evaluations of their experiences in shaping their sense of self. 48. What was the “self-actualizing tendency,” as Rogers defined it? Constructively criticize this concept by offering one argument in favor of it and one argument against it. Answer: The self-actualizing tendency, as defined by Rogers, is the innate drive within individuals to fulfill their potential and achieve self-fulfillment. This concept suggests that individuals have an inherent motivation to grow, develop, and become the best version of themselves. One argument in favor of the self-actualizing tendency is that it aligns with the humanistic belief in the inherent goodness and potential of individuals. By recognizing and nurturing this innate drive, individuals can lead more fulfilling and authentic lives, contributing positively to society. However, one argument against the concept is that it may oversimplify the complexity of human motivation and behavior. Not all individuals may have the same level of self-actualizing tendency, and external factors such as environment, social influences, and life circumstances can significantly impact one's ability to fulfill their potential. Additionally, the concept of self-actualization may be culturally biased, as ideals of self-fulfillment and personal growth can vary across cultures. 49. Describe—in detail—the characteristics of the “fully functioning person.” Do you know someone who fits this profile? Answer: According to Carl Rogers, a fully functioning person, also known as a self-actualized individual, exhibits several key characteristics: 1. Openness to experience: Fully functioning individuals are open to new experiences and ideas, without preconceived notions or rigid beliefs. They are curious and willing to explore different perspectives. 2. Existential living: They live fully in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. They are able to fully engage with their current experiences and emotions. 3. Trust in their own feelings: They trust their own feelings, instincts, and intuitions, and are able to act in accordance with them. They have a strong sense of self-awareness and self-trust. 4. Creativity: Fully functioning individuals are creative and able to express themselves authentically. They are not afraid to think outside the box and explore new ways of thinking and being. 5. Fulfilled life: They lead fulfilling and meaningful lives, pursuing goals and activities that are in line with their values and interests. They have a sense of purpose and direction. 6. Positive relationships: They have positive and healthy relationships with others, based on empathy, understanding, and genuine connection. They are able to relate to others in a meaningful way. 7. Autonomy: They have a strong sense of autonomy and personal responsibility. They are able to make independent choices and take ownership of their actions. It can be challenging to find someone who perfectly fits this profile, as it represents an idealized state of personal growth and development. However, individuals who exhibit many of these characteristics may be considered as moving towards becoming fully functioning persons. 50. Drawing on what the critics have said about Rogers, discuss some limitations of Rogerian theory. Answer: Critics of Carl Rogers and his theory of person-centered therapy have raised several limitations and criticisms: 1. Lack of empirical evidence: Some critics argue that Rogers's theory lacks strong empirical evidence to support its effectiveness. While there is research supporting the efficacy of person-centered therapy, some critics believe that more rigorous scientific studies are needed. 2. Overemphasis on subjective experience: Critics argue that Rogers's emphasis on subjective experience and the individual's self-concept may overlook the importance of social and cultural factors in shaping behavior and mental health. 3. Potential for client dependency: Critics suggest that the non-directive nature of person-centered therapy may lead to client dependency, as the therapist does not provide guidance or direction in problem-solving. 4. Limited applicability: Some critics argue that Rogers's approach may be more suitable for individuals with mild to moderate issues, and may not be as effective for severe mental health conditions or complex psychological issues. 5. Idealized view of human nature: Critics suggest that Rogers's view of human nature as inherently good and self-actualizing may be overly optimistic and unrealistic, failing to account for the darker aspects of human behavior and motivation. Despite these criticisms, many proponents of Rogers's approach argue that it provides a valuable framework for understanding human behavior and promoting personal growth and self-actualization. Short Answer Questions 51. Rogers’s belief in the power of individuals to help ___________ continues to influence counselors, psychologists, and other professionals worldwide. Answer: themselves 52. In his last ten years, Rogers applied his ideas specifically to ___________ situations, leading successful international workshops on conflict resolution and citizen diplomacy. Answer: political 53. Rogers’s self is a process, a system that is always shifting; this emphasis on change and ___________ is the linchpin of his theory. Answer: flexibility 54. For Rogers, ___________ offer the best opportunity to be fully functioning, to be in harmony with the self, others, and the environment. Answer: relationships 55. Rogers suggests that the ___________ ___________ person will make mistakes through incorrect information, not incorrect processing or misperceptions. Answer: fully functioning 56. Effective therapists exhibit congruence, unconditional positive regard, and ___________ understanding toward their clients. Answer: empathic Matching Questions 57. Repression A. The degree of accuracy among communication, experience, and awareness 58. Conditions of worth B. When there is incongruence between awareness and experience 59. Field of experience C. The basic obstacles to accurate perception and realistic awareness 60. Ideal self D. An organized, consistent gestalt, constantly in the process of forming and reforming as situations change 61. Confrontation E. Extreme form of feedback 62. Incongruence F. Phenomenal field containing all that is going on within the envelope of the organism at any given moment 63. Unconditional positive regard G. Non-prossessive caring 64. Self H. The inability to perceive accurately, the inability or unwillingness to communicate accurately, or both 65. Congruence I. The self-concept which the individual would most like to possess 66. Empathetic understanding J. The ability to accurately sense the feelings of others Answers: 57) B 58) C 59) F 60) I 61) E 62) H 63) G 64) D 65) A 66) J Test Bank for Personality and Personal Growth Robert Frager, James Fadiman 9780205953752, 9780205254781
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