Unconditional Positive Regard Research Articles

Mutuality in person-centered therapy: A new agenda for research and practice

Rogers (1957) hypothesized that, if two people are in psychological contact, and when the client is incongruent and minimally perceives the therapist's empathy, unconditional positive regard and congruence, this would be necessary and sufficient for constructive personality change. In this paper we propose that this research hypothesis, while a helpful one for testing theory, has inadvertently resulted in only a partial exploration of the process of person-centered psychotherapy insofar as it conceptualizes the therapeutic relationship as the provision of empathy and unconditional positive regard from the therapist to the client. Therefore, research has tended to focus only as far as client perception of the therapist conditions and little attention has been paid to the process of and requirements for “receiving” the conditions. In other writings, however, Rogers (1959) described the therapeutic relationship as consisting of bi-directional, reciprocal, and mutual interaction between client and therapist. Receiving the conditions is a worthwhile area for research and study and can inform the development of practice. We suggest that for the conditions to be actively received the contribution of the client to the therapeutic relationship has to be considered. The result is a new hypothesis in which experiences of mutuality are realized as a result of the client, in addition to the therapist, experiencing increasing levels of empathic understanding and unconditional positive regard. The paper concludes that person-centered psychotherapy is inherently relational and we highlight the potential and implication for mutual relating within person-centered psychotherapy.

Dialogue: A dialogue between focusing and relational perspectives

This paper explores the question “What is dialogue?” and its relevance to therapeutic practice through a dialogically structured conversation between two members of the person-centered and experiential community: Akira Ikemi, a leading advocate of focusing; and Mick Cooper, who is associated with a relational person-centered stance. The conversation begins with the question of whether dialogue in therapy is synonymous with a co-explication, by client and therapist, of their felt senses, and the implications that this might have for therapeutic practice. It then considers the roles that unconditional positive regard, agreement and disagreement may have in facilitating – and inhibiting – dialogical processes. This is expanded through a consideration of other factors that may facilitate dialogue, including a stance of indefiniteness, affirming dissensus, and an openness to being changed by the Other. Throughout the dialogue, a recurring theme is the togetherness, or separateness, of human being. The paper concludes with reflections on implications for practice, and a consideration of how such a dialogue might be carried forward.

What's therapeutic about the therapeutic relationship? A hypothesis for practice informed by Perceptual Control Theory

AbstractEvidence clearly suggests that the therapeutic relationship is important to successful outcomes in psychotherapy. It is less clear as to why this might be the case. Throughout the literature, various factors such as warmth, empathy, compassion, unconditional positive regard, and openness are identified as key. The way in which factors such as warmth and empathy bring about an amelioration of psychological distress, however, is not entirely obvious. We suggest that one possible mechanism through which these factors become important is by helping to create an environment where clients can examine their problems freely. Furthermore, we propose that when the therapeutic relationship is therapeutic, clients feel comfortable to consider whatever comes into their mind; with any filtering or evaluating happening after the ideas have been expressed, and not before. Psychological processes identified as maintaining psychological distress (e.g. thought suppression, avoidance, rumination) block this capacity. Our suggestion is that as internal experiences are being examined, the client has an opportunity to become aware of facets of the problem that were previously unattended to; and to continue this process outside therapy. Through this awareness-raising process the client's problem can be reorganized via intrinsic learning processes to achieve a more contented state of mind.

Gift Giving and Receiving in Child‐Centered Play Therapy: An Ethical Response

Child‐centered play therapists are often confronted with the challenge of receiving gifts from clients. This article highlights recommended strategies when faced with gift receiving, exemplified by actual ethical dilemmas encountered by child‐centered play therapists. Ethical and therapeutic considerations of therapist gift giving to child clients are also examined.

Person-Centred Rehabilitation Counselling: Revisiting the Legacy of Carl Rogers

AbstractThis article explores the relevance of Carl Rogers' person-centred approach (PCA) to rehabilitation counselling. His major theoretical contribution concerning the primacy of the client's actualising tendency and the six ‘core conditions’ of the counsellor–client relationship deserves greater recognition in vocational rehabilitation. The most widely known and researched core conditions have focused upon the proverbial triad: congruence (genuineness), unconditional positive regard and empathy. However, all six core conditions are discussed with emphasis placed on recent refinements to Rogers' original theory and their importance to rehabilitation counselling. Evidenced-based research concerning the impact of PCA-oriented rehabilitation counselling is lacking. It is argued that the efficacy of PCA can be extrapolated from meta-analyses in other fields of psychotherapy and education.

Helpful factors and outcomes in person-centered therapy with clients who experience psychotic processes: therapists' perspectives

This qualitative study explores person-centered practitioners' perceptions of what is helpful in their work with clients who experience psychotic processes and the impact that they believe this practice has on their clients. In-depth interviews with 20 British person-centered practitioners focused on how they worked with clients who experienced psychotic process, what they perceived as helpful, and how they believed these practices helped their clients. Analyses used a grounded theory approach. In addition to standard person-centered therapy, practices with this client group often incorporated Pre-Therapy and other elements acquired through advanced training. Emerging themes in perceived useful practice included “getting beyond labels and illness” and “working with particular care and attention.” Results suggest the importance of specific therapeutic conditions, especially unconditional positive regard. The perceived therapeutic change most often described was increased social adjustment. Some clients were also perceived by therapists as showing lessened risk of harm to self or others and improvement in self-awareness, mood, resilience and other areas.

P03-157 - Can the lack of unconditional positive regard change the correct diagnose and the decision of treatment? case report

Carl Rogers, one of the founders of humanistic approach in psychology, sees people as basically good and healthy. He considers mental health as the normal progression of life, and believes that mental illness and criminality are distortions of that natural tendency.Rogers felt that a good therapist must have three very special qualities: Congruence, Empathy and Respect -- acceptance, unconditional positive regard towards the client. These qualities are “necessary and sufficient”.We present the case of an 18-year-old adolescent with distressing thoughts of killing someone, a colleague or a family member, and compulsions like the wish to be restrained to the bad so that he couldn’t hurt someone. He was first diagnosed with premorbid symptoms of a psychotic disorder by a psychologist, and he was recommended to begin antipsychotic treatment. We subsequently diagnosed him with obsessive-compulsive disorder due to the fact that he felt repulsion and remorse for having these thoughts. He began the treatment with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and Rogersian therapy.We intend to demonstrate that the lack of acceptance and unconditional positive regard as well as communication problems with the patient can interfere with giving the correct diagnose and decision of treatment.“If I accept the other person as something fixed, already diagnosed and classified, already shaped by his past, then I am doing my part to confirm this limited hypothesis. If I accept him as a process of becoming, then I am doing what I can to confirm or make real his potentialities”, Carl Rogers.

P02-465 - First impressions within the Gaze Encounter

Eye contact, as an encounter between two conscious and self-conscious human beings, and in advance of any word being spoken, appears to have the remarkable capacity to accurately (Gladwell, 2005) form the feelings and the meaning-content that structures our interpretation of Others as more or less perfect or different versions of ourselves (e.g. “People find out I’m an actress and I see that ‘whore’ look flicker across their eyes” [Rachel Weisz]).With a primary focus on ‘the novel’ “as an intense experience of prolonged intimacy with another consciousness” (Lodge, 2002), this paper will seek to analyse and discuss the underpinning concepts and philosophical ideas, together with any prevailing psychological assumptions that relate to the content of The Gaze Encounter. More precisely, what occurs in that moment between the “before we are and what we were” (Lowell, 1992); in that moment when all kinds of assumptions and inferences, as well as judgements and decisions are made, usually by both characters, about the Other's ‘inner truth’, sanity, or essential being?This paper seeks to excavate those base and mainly unconscious physical sensations that form the basis of more or less conscious feelings that, then, generate decisions about The Other; frequently, before a word is spoken.The Heuristic research methodology (Moustakas, 1990) will be employed throughout. The results will establish a more robust relationship between sensations/feelings/decision-making.The Conclusions will either support of undermine Rogers’ (1957) concept of ‘unconditional positive regard’. DRW

Reclaiming rare listening as a means of organizational re‐enchantment

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to contribute to a reclaiming of the potency of Rogerian listening in organizations. The paper views listening after Rogers, the father of active listening, as a process with potential to re‐enchant organizations and the people who comprise them, in a move away from the popular view and professional training that fosters instrumentalized listening that deadens organizations and crushes the spirit of individuals.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a text analysis using iterative coding processes and constant comparison. A total of 12 web sites focused on “active listening” in business contexts were analyzed for overlap and divergence with Rogers' descriptors and essential conditions for active listening.FindingsRogers is almost completely disassociated from his original multi‐sensory conception of listening, which is now reduced to a set of instrumental tips and techniques that help the listener gather data in the interest of achieving preconceived goals. Rarely was Rogers' intention invoked – of understanding in the context of growing a relationship between speaker and listener that was grounded in unconditional positive regard, care, and love.Research limitations/implicationsThough the sample size is limited, it suggests a particular zeitgeist in organizations that inhibits the possibilities of re‐enchantment by shutting down a principle of channel for developing understanding and making connections that can foster novelty and increase collaboration. An awareness of the current reduction of listening being taught in organizations, and the particular ways in which it varies from the richness of Rogers' powerful conception is the first step toward identifying and overcoming the barriers to re‐enchantment at individual and organizational levels.Originality/valueThe prevailing efforts in the literature include listening as one dimension in the broader field of communication skills, and tend to result in recommendations that deepen the instrumental nature of listening in business. This study focuses on listening exclusively, beginning with the origins of Rogers' “active listening,” examining the ways it has been conceptually co‐opted and distorted, as a first step in the process of reclaiming it from the territory of calculated and observable skill.

Growing Play Therapy Up: Extending Child-Centered Play Therapy to Highly Aggressive Teenage Boys / Spieltherapie “grossziehen”: Kindzentrierte Spieltherapie angewendet bei hochaggressiven männlichen Jugendlichen / La Terapia de Juego Madura: La terapia de juego centrada en la persona se extiende a los adolescentes muy agresivos / Faire Grandir la Thérapie par le Jeu: L'Extension de la Thérapie par le Jeu Centrée

This article presents a rationale for and example of extending child-centered play therapy (CCPT) to highly aggressive teenage boys. CCPT is commonly considered to be applicable to children ages 3–12 (Carmichael, 2006; Landreth, 2002). The extension presented aims to meet the needs of highly troubled older teenage boys (ages 15–18) who were otherwise thought to be reluctant to therapy, awkward in relating to a counselor and to have difficulty talking about personal concerns and feelings. This application of CCPT offers a means to reach a population of very high-need clients who might otherwise not be reached, by providing an alternative means for them to experience counselor empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness, without pressure to talk.

The Magic of Encounter: The Person-Centered Approach and the Neurosciences / Die Magie der Begegnung: Der Personzentrierte Ansatz und die Neurowissenschaften / La Magia del Encuentro: El enfoque centrado en la persona y las neurociencias / La Magie de la Rencontre: l'Approche Centrée sur la Personne et les Neurosciences / A Magia do Encontro: a Abordagem Centrada na Pessoa e

The theoretical foundations of the Person-Centered Approach (PCA) were laid by Carl Rogers more than 60 years ago. Neuroscientific research findings support his theories to a remarkably high degree. The purpose of this article is to explore the relationship between the PCA and concepts of neurosciences. In the first step, basic concepts of person-centered personality theory are related to neuroscience. The next and main focus is on the basic therapeutic principles of person-centered psychotherapy. Particular ways are suggested in which findings in the neurosciences can contribute to explaining the relevance of the therapeutic principles of empathic understanding, unconditional positive regard and congruence. The supportive relation of the two distinct areas works both ways. It is argued that the PCA offers a powerful meta-theory for an integration of neuroscientific research findings into psychotherapy.

A Person-Centred Perspective to Counselling in Educational and Vocational Agencies

This article focuses upon the application of Carl Rogers' person-centred approach (PCA) by educational and vocational counsellors. The discussion of PCA in educational and vocational counselling raises several key issues that have received attention in recent counselling psychology literature. PCA has been criticised for its highly individualistic approach that overlooks relational issues, its limited clinical application, and lack of technical expertise to sufficiently produce change in persons with significant mental and/or mood disorders. Three vignettes are presented to illustrate that contemporary PCA is a less individualistic and more socially contextualised practice than originally formulated by Rogers. They highlight some aspects of the work of counsellors who utilise the primary nondirective components of PCA (congruence, unconditional positive regard, empathy) with directive interventions when requested by clients, who are responsive to their clients' diverse socio-cultural backgrounds, and who are prepared to work within a medical framework.

Mentoring. A Quality Assurance Tool for Dentists Part 3: Building a Successful Mentoring Relationship

The contribution that the mentor can make to the mentoring relationship is undoubtedly crucial. It revolves around mentor qualities, including honesty, congruence, self-sufficiency, and patience. Mentor attitudes include unconditional positive regard for the mentee and mentee focus. Mentor behaviours include establishing rapport, demonstrating warmth and empathy, and giving constructive feedback. There are also unhelpful mentor positions, which are to be avoided. However, there are enormous rewards for the mentor. Mentees also make a significant contribution to the successful relationship by being open to the process and ready to engage with their mentor in order to discover their own goals and develop their own resources and career. This will help them to serve their patients better in the years to come and thereby to achieve a greater sense of purpose, satisfaction and reward in their professional lives.

The motivations of mentors: promoting relationships, supporting pupils, engaging with communities

Mentoring as a means of supporting young people perceived as having difficulties or being at risk of disaffection has become an important feature of pastoral support approaches in and around schools in recent years. The provision of support that is based upon a highly personalised relationship and founded upon principles of unconditional positive regard has been a feature of many schools and has been endorsed at government and local authority levels. Drawing upon two recently conducted research projects, this paper considers the motivations of mentors, the definition and development of the mentoring role and the ways in which it is being developed in respect of young people. The authors suggest that a certain ambiguity and fluidity of definition of the role of the mentor may be a strength rather than a weakness when developing supportive pastoral systems. The paper considers the motivations of mentors and how these may impact upon the success of mentoring schemes.

A Return to Virtue

A Return to Virtue

Virtue in Emergency Medicine

At a time in which the integrity of the medical profession is perceptibly challenged, emergency physicians (EPs) have an opportunity to reaffirm their commitment to both their patients and their practice through acceptance of a virtue-based ethic. The virtue-based ethic transcends legalistic rule following and the blind application of principles. Instead, virtue honors the humanity of patients and the high standards of the profession. Recognizing historical roots that are relevant to the modern context, this article describes 10 core virtues important for EPs. In addition to the long-recognized virtues of prudence, courage, temperance, and justice, 6 additional virtues are offered unconditional positive regard, charity, compassion, trustworthiness, vigilance, and agility. These virtues might serve as ideals to which all EPs can strive. Through these, the honor of the profession will be maintained, the trust of patients will be preserved, and the integrity of the specialty will be promoted.

A humanistic approach to caring for street children: The importance of emotionally intimate and supportive relationships for the successful rehabilitation of street children

This article illustrates the psychologically damaging effects that result from living on the street and that negatively impact upon street children's well-being and development. It notes that one of the fundamental deprivations which street children face—often the very deprivation that prompts their decision to move away from home to the street—is that of close, supportive and loving relationships with adult caregivers. It argues that the successful rehabilitation of street children requires an intentional emphasis on building emotionally intimate, supportive relationships between street children and social workers. Drawing upon the humanistic psychology of Carl Rogers, which centers upon the prerequisite of unconditional positive regard for healthy human development, it argues that individuals who have suffered from psychic stress and trauma are in particular need of unconditional positive regard in order to gain self-respect, self-confidence and trust and faith in society and in their capacity to successfully reintegrate themselves into society and become contributing members of society. It argues that the overwhelming emphasis of outreach programs to street children in the developing world is on providing them with their basic needs of food, shelter and clothing, but often disregarding their psychological needs. Such an approach to street children may help them in the short term but impedes the likelihood of their achieving a rehabilitation that is sustainable and that meets the full range of their needs in a holistic manner. This article draws upon experiences of street children and social workers, researchers, nurses and volunteers in Africa, Asia and South America to address these concerns.

Informed love as a curative factor

Research concerning the curative factors in psychotherapy has thus far overlooked reports of religious experiences as a potential source of hypotheses. The author examines a variety of anecdotal encounters with personifications of higher power for the presence of therapeutic factors. He finds that the attitude expressed by the being, as perceived by the recipients, reflects unconditional positive regard (UCR) in the context of a thorough and intimate knowledge of the person. He thus hypothesizes that the curative factor operating in such experiences is “informed love”, defined as the twofold experience of feeling completely loved and completely known. The author discusses the differences between informed love and UCR, and the implications of informed love in modern psychotherapy practice.

Greek Orthodox Christian Anthropology and Person—Centered Approach to Education: Tentative Tracing of Their Parallel Paths and Exploration of Potential Encounter between Them

Our purpose is the tracing of the possible parallel paths between Eastern Christian Orthodox anthropology and Carl Rogers's person-centered approach to education (PCA) and the investigation of their compatibility. Referring to the work of the Holy Fathers we study three basic elements of Greek Orthodox Christian theology, namely person, agape and discrimination. In addition, we explore the possible relation of the above to the specific anthropological aspects and qualities of person-centered theory and its educational practice, such as the concept of the person, unconditional positive regard and presence.

Relational and Transcendental Humanism: Exploring the Consequences of a Thoroughly Pragmatic Humanism

The relational and transcendental elements of humanism are considered. Although the relational component of humanism is extraordinarily valuable, the author argues that the transcendental portion of humanism should be abandoned. The implications of a thoroughly pragmatic humanism are explored.