Final answer:
Humanistic psychology, particularly through the work of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes universal human qualities like empathy, self-esteem, and self-concept. This approach highlights the aim for congruence between one's real self and ideal self and the importance of unconditional positive regard.
Step-by-step explanation:
The perspective on human traits that emphasizes a person's empathy, self-esteem, genuineness, and self-concept as universal qualities is known as humanistic psychology. This approach was pioneered by psychologists like Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, who focused on the growth potential of healthy individuals and the drive towards self-actualization. They believed that free will and self-determination are integral to personal development, and this perspective concentrates on how healthy people develop.
Carl Rogers in particular emphasized the importance of self-concept, which consists of our thoughts and feelings about ourselves. He suggested that congruence between our real self and ideal self leads to greater self-worth and mental health. Moreover, Rogers proposed that unconditional positive regard from parents is essential for developing a positive self-concept.
Additionally, trait theorists, like Raymond Cattell, looked at dimensions of personality to describe trait expression along a continuum. Cultural influences also play a significant role in shaping personality traits, with research showing variability across cultures in the expression of traits like extroversion and openness to experience.