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Dr. Calr Rogers believed the source of loneliness for the individual was the discrepancy between one's true self and the public-facing self.

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Final Answer:

Dr. Carl Rogers posited that the root cause of individual loneliness is the dissonance between one's authentic self and the self presented to the public.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dr. Carl Rogers, a renowned psychologist, asserted that loneliness stems from a fundamental incongruence between an individual's true self and the persona projected to the external world. This concept is grounded in Rogers' person-centered theory, emphasizing the importance of congruence between one's self-concept and experiences. The true self represents an individual's genuine thoughts, emotions, and values, while the public-facing self is the facade shaped by societal expectations and pressures.

Rogers proposed that when individuals perceive a misalignment between their authentic selves and the self they present to society, a sense of loneliness and inner discord emerges. This incongruence may arise from societal expectations, cultural norms, or a fear of judgment, causing individuals to distance themselves from their true feelings and thoughts. In the quest for social acceptance, people may suppress or modify aspects of their genuine selves, leading to a disconnection from their core identity.

To illustrate, imagine an individual suppressing their artistic inclinations due to societal norms favoring more practical careers. This suppression creates a divide between their true passion (the authentic self) and the externally projected identity. The resulting loneliness may manifest as a lack of understanding or connection with others who don't fully comprehend the individual's genuine aspirations. Rogers' theory underscores the significance of fostering congruence, allowing individuals to bridge the gap between their true selves and public personas, ultimately reducing feelings of loneliness and promoting mental well-being.

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Final Answer:

Dr. Carl Rogers believed that the source of loneliness for the individual was the discrepancy between one's true self and the public-facing self.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dr. Carl Rogers, a prominent figure in humanistic psychology, proposed the concept of incongruence between the true self and the public-facing self as a central factor contributing to loneliness. According to Rogers, individuals experience a sense of isolation and loneliness when there is a misalignment between their authentic, inner selves and the self they present to the external world. This incongruence can arise when individuals feel compelled to conform to societal expectations or hide aspects of their true identity due to fear of judgment or rejection.

Rogers' person-centered theory posits that fostering congruence between the true self and the public-facing self is essential for psychological well-being. When individuals can express their genuine thoughts, emotions, and values openly, without the need for pretense or conformity, they are more likely to experience a sense of connection and reduce feelings of loneliness. This aligns with the therapeutic approach known as person-centered therapy, where the emphasis is on creating a supportive environment that encourages individuals to explore and embrace their authentic selves.

In summary, Rogers' perspective on loneliness underscores the psychological impact of authenticity and congruence. The discrepancy between the true self and the public-facing self, according to Rogers, can lead to a profound sense of isolation, emphasizing the importance of genuine self-expression and acceptance for fostering meaningful connections and mitigating loneliness.

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