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.