Final answer:
Dalton is six years old and is told by his father on several occasions that big boys don't cry and boys should not show fear. In these instances, Dalton is experiencing what Rogers called: c. conditions of worth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rogers' concept of "conditions of worth" refers to the conditions imposed on individuals for them to receive positive regard or acceptance from significant others, often leading them to adopt certain behaviors or beliefs to gain approval. In Dalton's case, his father's repeated messages about not crying or showing fear establish conditions of worth by setting standards for Dalton's behavior based on societal expectations of masculinity. These conditions dictate that Dalton's worthiness is tied to conforming to specific gender norms, impacting his self-worth and influencing his behaviors to align with these imposed conditions.
Dalton's experiences align with the essence of conditions of worth as proposed by Rogers. These conditions create a framework where individuals regulate their actions and emotions to meet external expectations, often at the expense of their authentic selves. Dalton's father's messages create a standard of behavior for Dalton, implying that displaying emotions like crying or fear goes against the expectations set for boys. Consequently, Dalton may suppress his natural emotional responses to fit within the conditions set by his father, impacting his self-concept and hindering his emotional authenticity.
Rogers highlighted how conditions of worth can significantly impact an individual's self-concept and authenticity. In Dalton's case, these imposed conditions shape his understanding of what is acceptable behavior for a boy, potentially leading to internal conflict between his genuine emotions and the societal expectations ingrained through these conditions. This conflict may hinder Dalton's emotional development and self-acceptance, emphasizing the profound impact of external conditions on an individual's self-concept and psychological well-being. Option c