The Hidden Personality according to Freud and Rogers Essay Example

as noted by Freud (1926/1959). Such primitive and 'hidden' motivators remain significant internal pressures throughout an individual's life, despite their difficulty in being quantified. On the other hand, according to Rodgers (1965), a newborn child is a happy and centred individual with a natural instinct for betterment, untainted by societal constraints. If given unconditional love, which Rodgers defines as Positive Regard, and without any negative external influences or restrictions, the individual will progress towards self-expression, creativity, and social contribution (Rogers, 1967).

The actualising process, an innate drive, requires a positive environment to fully materialise. The child's development is dependent on the support and affection provided by their parents, which fosters the growth of their true self and contributes to their overall wellbeing. The family's unwavering support enables the hidden self to develop in harmony with the public persona. Although society controls human behaviour and sets social standards, according to Freud and Rogers, it tends to be overly restrictive and hinders individuals from becoming their true selves. Freud would prefer this to allowing one's natural instincts to take over. (Nye, 1975)

Freud posits that society plays the role of controlling influence, regulating questionable desires and teaching individuals acceptable behavior. Societal values become internalized, creating barriers for instinctive psychic energy. New avenues for escape are then sought out. Like electricity seeking the quickest route to earth, primitive motivations will find the most accessible outlets through which to reveal themselves. Individuals cope with inner conflicts by converting unacceptable desires into more appropriate behavioral patterns such as creativity or self-expression. Once these patterns are established, they define the relationship between individual and society. Any remaining primitive urges are redirected or buried

deep within, forming the basis of the hidden self (Freud, 1962). According to Rogers (1967), socialization is a natural path for individuals and their interactions with their environment define their own reality.

According to this text, society acts as a reflection of human behavior and serves as an indicator of moral standards based on the majority's perception of actions. Individual experiences shape a person's public and private identities, with Rogers highlighting the significance of congruence between the two for self-actualization and happiness. Achieving a state of harmony in one's life, thoughts, and surroundings is akin to spiritual nirvana, which is attained through fluid adaptation with changing environments. Unlike Freud's rigid approach to the interplay between individuals and society, Rogers emphasizes flexibility in this relationship.

Rogers believed that each person's reality can differ based on their personal experiences. As a result, he refrained from rigidly defining it. On the other hand, Freud (1910/1957) aimed to uncover the problematic or resistant areas in a patient's life. This was done to reveal their innate desires and start dealing with their actual problems, rather than just surface-level symptoms. Freud held the view that a person's inner turmoil is the result of unsettled conflicts and pressures that lie beneath the surface and have no clear resolution in sight. These issues can be difficult to identify as they are often disguised or hidden. The therapeutic process was intended to be slow and cautious as a result. Freud's approach involved being able to interpret what was unsaid rather than what was explicitly stated by the patient. He would often try to elicit accidental admissions from his patient instead of just accepting their initial

claims or position.

Learn about negative effects of unresolved conflict at work or at home. According to Rogers (1967), personal conflicts can be caused by a lack of congruence between an individual's true self and the way society perceives them. Environmental pressures can impact personal growth and artistic expression, which can hinder the process of achieving equilibrium. In his treatment, Rogers encouraged patients to discuss their desires and solutions while the therapist guided the conversation.

According to Rogers (1965), the key to treating disaffected individuals was to encourage positive regard and a process of awareness and confirmation that would unveil the hidden personality and lead to self-actualisation and greater happiness. Both Freud and Rogers recognised the importance of the hidden self in human development, despite their divergent views on human nature. While Freud emphasised primitive drives and societal manipulation, Rogers was more optimistic about the compassionate and expressive nature of humans. Ultimately, both approaches connect our existence to primitive beings, but Rogers suggests that the link has been severed through societal evolution.

Freud and Rogers have varying beliefs regarding the extent to which the desires of the hidden personality should be permitted to express themselves, but they both concur on the importance of comprehending them.