The person-situation is a controversial topic that seeks to assess whether situational or individual factors influences a person's behaviour. Psychology theory stipulates that people possess unique personalities that dictate their overall behaviour when faced with different circumstances. In a humanistic perspective, empathy and positive human behaviour are the key considerations when developing an individual’s self-image. Therefore, when comparing Maslow’s hierarchy of needs with the person-centred theory, it is important to note that both Maslow and Rodgers are the main founders of the humanistic approach of psychology. From an analytical point of view, person-situation interaction refers to the case where a person’s actions cannot be used to distinguish him or her from a situation. The human spirit of growth and self-actualization is anchored on the ability of individuals to control their environment. Therefore, both Maslow’s and Rodgers theories suggest that self-actualization is the driving force of human needs.
Comparison
Even though person-centred and Maslow’s theory of needs are similar in many dimensions, they still harbour some degree of variance. According to Carl Rodgers, therapy could be easier if a person was encouraged to focus on his understanding of the situation rather than being motivated by a third party ( Mearns, Thorne & McLeod, 2013) . Based on this concept, Rodgers postulates that therapists should be honest, warm and understanding for patients to improve on their self-actualization. However, his argument was anchored on the main idea of emphasizing on the practical perspective of the practice rather than the theoretical approach. Maslow’s and Rodgers theories are similar because they both agree that that self-actualization can be overcome by the powerful need of self-acceptance. For instance, Rodgers conditions of worth can be compared to Maslow’s self-esteem concept. Even though the two theories agree on the self-actualization to be a fundamental tool in human development, they differ in the role of needs. According to Maslow self-esteem is an important part of humanity and not essential in achieving the need for self-actualization ( Einstein, Addams & Roosevelt, 2016). Rodgers, on the other hand, postulates that the conditions of worth limit an individual’s ability to achieve self-actualization in an environment ( Mearns, Thorne & McLeod, 2013) . While Maslow focused on classifying the basic needs that individuals require to attain full self-actualization, Rodgers, on the other hand, concentrated on developing a rationale that can help individuals overcome the barriers restricting personality growth. Based on the stipulations of the person-centred theory, an individual can easily become aware, affectionate, empathic and secure once they are placed in an environment that exemplifies their genuine individual concern.
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Based on Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, personality is developed through the satisfaction of basic needs. According to Maslow, the choices that people make towards satisfying these needs are fundamental in dictating how personality is formed. This theory postulates that an individual cannot advance up the hierarchy without satisfying the initial needs at the bottom of the personality pyramid ( Schneider, Pierson & Bugental, 2014) . For instance, psychological needs describe the obstacle that people need to satisfy first before advancing to other levels. In the absence of food, sleep or water an individual cannot focus on any other aspect of life. Once these basic needs are satisfied, an individual can be able to advance to the next phase where safety and security are of concern. These needs can be achieved by fostering viable interactions with others in the society. According to Maslow, if a person fails to satisfy this need, he or she will never grow to the self-actualization phase ( Einstein, Addams & Roosevelt, 2016). If a person feels safe and secure, he or she can seek to make friends and meet the needs of belonging. Finally, self-esteem needs can only be achieved once a person fully satisfies the social needs. It is at this level that personality can be formed effectively through the motivation of behaviour.
The major underpinnings of person-centred theory focus on ‘self” as the main motive behind personality development. According to Rodgers, when a child is brought into the world, the unique value of self is introduced. ‘Self’ is a complexity of issues that encompasses beliefs, opinions and attitudes that govern human behaviour. Therefore, it is through these underpinnings that personality is developed. Also, the person-centred theory is anchored on the concept of self-actualization tendency. Rodgers postulates that personality development is mainly determined by the inner biological force within a person that compels him or her to achieve full potential in the environment ( Mearns, Thorne & McLeod, 2013) . However, for the full realization of personality development, the environment should provide an individual with a viable platform where new concepts can be exercised at will.
From a personal point of view, I relate most to the person-centred theory because it emphasizes personality development through self-acceptance. Also, considering the fact that I love being around people and being myself, intertwines effectively with Rodger’s postulations of self-actualization. According to Rodgers, the ability of an individual to express self freely in the environment is so fundamental in personality growth. Also basing on the fact that I am too outgoing and stubborn clearly defines the beliefs and values that govern my behaviour in general. Of the two theories, the person-centred approach is the only theory that focuses on developing a human personality through promoting self-beliefs and values.
Conclusion
In summary, both Rodgers and Maslow’s theories consider self-actualization a key component of personality development. Even though Maslow’s’ hierarchy of needs focuses on the achievement of the basic needs for an individual to advance to the next level, Rodgers considered the environment key in personality development. The Rodgers person-centred theory is practical since it considers an individual to be the main component of growth in the environment. Behaviour is shaped through the core beliefs and values that govern a person. With this knowledge, personality can be developed through initiatives of realizing self-actualization in an environment.
References
Einstein, A., Addams, J., & Roosevelt, E. (2016). Maslow's hierarchy of needs .
Mearns, D., Thorne, B., & McLeod, J. (2013). Person-centred counselling in action . Sage.
Schneider, K. J., Pierson, J. F., & Bugental, J. F. (Eds.). (2014). The handbook of humanistic psychology: Theory, research, and practice . Sage Publications.
