Please read and study attached article about Carl Roger. Carefully read the section about the “fully-functioning person”. There are five qualities listed: Openness to experience Existential living Organismic trusting Experiential freedom Creativity Post a paragraph to the discussion board describing your reaction to Rogers’ five qualities. You must address at least two of the following issues.
In Carl Rogers’ theory of the fully-functioning person, he identifies five qualities that are characteristic of individuals who have reached a high level of psychological health and self-actualization. These qualities are openness to experience, existential living, organismic trusting, experiential freedom, and creativity. Upon examining these qualities, it becomes evident that they are interconnected and play crucial roles in facilitating personal growth and well-being.
Openness to experience is the first quality outlined by Rogers. It refers to an individual’s willingness to explore and engage with a wide range of emotions, thoughts, and sensations. This quality reflects a person’s ability to embrace both positive and negative experiences, as well as their capacity for self-reflection and self-awareness. Openness to experience allows for the development of empathy and a deep understanding of oneself and others. It is a vital component in the process of personal growth, as it allows individuals to learn from their experiences and use them as opportunities for self-discovery and change.
Existential living is the second quality listed by Rogers. It encompasses the individual’s ability to live in the present moment and fully engage with the reality of existence. This quality emphasizes the importance of being attuned to one’s emotions, desires, and values, and actively pursuing a meaningful life. Existential living encourages individuals to take responsibility for their actions and choices, and to find purpose in their lives. It involves embracing uncertainty and acknowledging the inherent freedom and potential for growth that comes with it. By living in the present and being mindful of their experiences, individuals can cultivate a sense of authenticity and live in accordance with their true selves.
The next quality, organismic trusting, reflects an individual’s ability to trust in their own instincts and judgments. It involves having confidence in one’s own thoughts, emotions, and intuitions, and trusting that they will guide them towards positive outcomes. Organismic trusting is rooted in the belief that individuals possess an innate capacity for self-regulation and self-direction. It involves listening to one’s inner voice and following it with confidence and conviction. This quality is particularly important in fostering self-esteem and self-acceptance, as it allows individuals to rely on their own internal resources and make decisions that align with their values and aspirations.
Experiential freedom is the fourth quality identified by Rogers. It refers to an individual’s ability to experience freedom and autonomy in their thoughts, feelings, and actions. Experiential freedom involves breaking free from societal and psychological constraints and allowing oneself to fully express and explore their authentic self. It emphasizes the importance of personal choice, self-determination, and the ability to enact meaningful change in one’s life. By embracing experiential freedom, individuals can break free from the limitations imposed by external forces and live in accordance with their true desires.
Finally, creativity is the fifth quality in Roger’s theory of the fully-functioning person. It encompasses the individual’s ability to think and act in innovative and original ways. Creativity involves the capacity to generate new ideas, perspectives, and solutions to problems. It reflects an individual’s openness to taking risks, embracing uncertainty, and thinking outside of the box. Creativity is crucial in personal growth and self-actualization, as it allows individuals to challenge existing beliefs and assumptions, and to adapt and thrive in ever-changing environments.
In conclusion, Carl Rogers’ theory of the fully-functioning person identifies five qualities that are central to personal growth and psychological well-being. These qualities include openness to experience, existential living, organismic trusting, experiential freedom, and creativity. Together, they form a holistic framework that emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, self-acceptance, and self-determination in leading a fulfilling and authentic life. Understanding and cultivating these qualities can provide individuals with valuable tools for self-discovery, personal growth, and the realization of their true potential.