Rogers' 1980 Theory of Personality

Rogers' 1980 Theory of Personality emphasizes that individuals have an innate drive toward growth and self-actualization. He proposed that a person's personality develops through their experiences, especially when they receive unconditional positive regard—acceptance and support regardless of their actions. When people feel accepted, they can explore their true selves freely; if they face rejection, they may hide their real feelings, leading to incongruence between their true self and their experienced self. Ultimately, Rogers believed that creating a supportive environment helps individuals achieve congruence and personal growth.