Final answer:
Incongruence is the psychological state identified by Carl Rogers where there is a significant discrepancy between one's real self and ideal self, often leading to distress. Achieving congruence, which is when one's real and ideal selves align, is seen as essential for authentic living and psychological well-being. Unconditional positive regard from others can foster this congruence.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term incongruence in the context of Carl Rogers' humanistic approach to psychology refers to the state of having a significant discrepancy between one's real self and ideal self. This gap between how individuals perceive themselves and who they aspire to be can lead to feelings of maladjustment and psychological distress. Rogers posited that for an individual to feel a sense of authenticity and self-worth, achieving congruence, or alignment, between the real and ideal self was crucial. Unconditional positive regard from others, especially during developmental stages, can facilitate congruence by allowing individuals to accept themselves and foster a positive self-concept.
Rogers and other humanistic psychologists like Abraham Maslow emphasize the importance of personal growth and self-actualization over deterministic biological factors. They argue that each person has the potential to realize their own unique capabilities and that the pursuit of congruence is a central part of this process. Hence, the idea of self-concept is vital to understanding personal development, mental health, and authentic living. Cognitive dissonance, another psychological concept, is related to incongruence in that it presents a psychological discomfort arising from conflicting attitudes, beliefs, or behaviors that challenge an individual's positive self-image.