Final answer:
According to Carl Rogers, a mismatch between the real and ideal self is known as incongruence. This state can lead to psychological issues, whereas congruence leads to a healthy sense of self-worth.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Carl Rogers, a mismatch between the real and ideal self is referred to as incongruence. This concept is part of Rogers's humanistic theory of personality, where he highlights the importance of achieving consistency between our real self—the person we actually are—and our ideal self—the person we aspire to be. This alignment leads to a state of congruence, where our self-concept is accurate, ultimately contributing to our sense of self-worth and a fulfilling life. Conversely, a significant discrepancy between the two selves results in incongruence, which can lead to maladjustment and various psychological issues. According to Rogers, fostering an environment of unconditional positive regard can help individuals achieve congruence.