NUR NASHRAH BINTI MOHD ZAINOL

Human Nature based on Carl Rogers Theory

MacMillan Online Dictionary (2009-2015) defines human nature as the
attitudes, feelings, and reactions that are typical of most people. This definition
shows that human are made up attitudes, feelings and reactions. In Islam, the
Prophet (allallhu `alayhi wa-sallam) said, ''Man is born with a perfectly sound
nature (firah), just as a baby animal is born to its parents, fully formed without
any defect to its ears, eyes or any other organ.''. Hence, the attitudes, feelings
and reactions are elements that are not build-in personality but are nurtured by
the surrounding factors as stated in the Carl Rogers theory.
Carl Rogers proposed that for a person to "grow", they need an
environment

that

provides

them

with

genuineness

(openness

and

self-

disclosure), acceptance (being seen with unconditional positive regard), and

empathy (being listened to and understood). Rogers believed that every person
can achieve their goals, wishes and desires in life. When, or rather if they did
so, self actualization took place. This was one of Carl Rogers most important
contributions to psychology and for a person to reach their potential a number of
factors must be satisfied.
Carl Rogers (1959) believed that humans have one basic motive, that is
the tendency to self-actualize - i.e. to fulfil one's potential and achieve the
highest level of 'human-beingness' we can. Like a tree that will grow to its full
potential if the conditions are right, but which is constrained by its environment,
so people will flourish and reach their potential if their environment is good
enough. However, he also believed that human are born with creativity where we
can put an effort to achieve our self actualisation. Carl Rogers deem that for a
person to achieve self-actualization they must be in a state of congruence. This
means that self-actualization occurs when a persons ideal self (i.e. who they
would like to be) is congruent with their actual behavior (self-image).

Other than that, he viewed human as having basic needs such as self-worth. For
Carl Rogers (1959) a person who has high self-worth, that is, has confidence and
positive feelings about him or she, faces challenges in life, accepts failure and
unhappiness at times, and is open with people. In contrast, a person with low self-worth
may avoid challenges in life, not accept that life can be painful and unhappy at times,
and will be defensive and guarded with other people.

NUR NASHRAH BINTI MOHD ZAINOL

To conclude, Rogers' theory and work is very simple to describe. Human nature is
portrayed as having high potential to be in good condition when it is flourished with
warmth relationship and excellent self-portrayal.

Human Nature based on Humanism Theory

Humanistic psychology is a psychological perspective that emphasizes the
study of the whole person (know as holism). Humanistic psychologists look at
human behaviour not only through the eyes of the observer, but through the
eyes of the person doing the behaving. Two of the most influential and enduring
theories in humanistic psychology that emerged in the 1950s and 1960s are
those of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
Humanistic psychologists believe

that an

individual's behaviour is

connected to his inner feelings and self-image. The humanistic perspective

centres on the view that each person is unique and individual and has the free
will to change at any time in his or her lives. The humanistic perspective
suggests that we are each responsible for our own happiness and well-being as
humans. We have the innate (i.e. inborn) capacity for self-actualization which is
our unique desire to achieve our highest potential as people.
In further discussion, self-actualized people are those who were fulfilled
and doing all they were capable of. The growth of self-actualization (Maslow,
1962) refers to the need for personal growth and discovery that is present
throughout a persons life. For Maslow, a person is always 'becoming' and never
remains static in these terms. In self-actualization a person comes to find a
meaning to life that is important to them.
In addition, Maslow viewed self-actualizers as supreme achievers in the
human race. He found that many of these people shared certain personality
traits. Most self-actualizers had a great sense of awareness, maintaining a nearconstant enjoyment and awe of life. They often described peak experiences
during which they felt such an intense degree of satisfaction that they seemed to
transcend themselves. They actively engaged in activities that would bring about
this feeling of unity and meaningfulness. In other words, these people are very
optimistic in every single thing they are doing.

NUR NASHRAH BINTI MOHD ZAINOL

Last but not least, he believed that people possess a set of motivation
systems unrelated to rewards or unconscious desires. Maslow (1943) stated that
people are motivated to achieve certain needs. When one need is fulfilled a
person seeks to fulfil the next one, and so on. This hierarchy of needs can be
divided into basic (or deficiency) needs (e.g. physiological, safety, love, and
esteem) and growth needs (self-actualization). The deficiency or basic needs are
said to motivate people when they are unmet. Also, the need to fulfil such needs
will become stronger the longer the duration they are denied. For example, the
longer a person goes without food the more hungry they will become. Thus, as
one acquires and fulfils a need, he/she can and will advance to the next level,
and this process is continued throughout the lifespan.