A Critical Review and Reflection on Two Core Ideas from the Phenomenological
Theory
Kristin A. Mina
Department of Psychology, University of Auckland
PSYCH 207: Theories of Personality and Development
Dr Amy Bird
May 15, 2022
Word count: 2066
, This critical review discusses the Phenomenological Theory that focuses on the
individual’s subjective experience and perception of reality. The theory includes two core
ideas, self-concept and positive regard. This review will examine the strength and weaknesses
of both core ideas, considering the history of the theory and ideas, their place within the
psychology of personality and development, and their relevance today and in the future.
Furthermore, this review will integrate examples from Tracey's case study to better
understand the application of these concepts. Finally, a personal reflection will be included on
how these concepts relate to my personal life.
A phenomenological theory
Carl Rogers (1902-1987) was a clinical psychologist who developed the
phenomenological theory during the mid-20th century in response to the post-World War II
cultural climate in the United States. Rogers' core ideas were developed in response to
criticisms of traditional psychoanalytic and behavioural approaches, which he saw as
neglectful of individual agency. Additionally, Rogers drew from Abraham Maslow's work on
self-actualization and the importance of human potential. Hence, Rogers aimed to create a
more humanistic and holistic approach focused on the individual's unique experience and
potential (Cervone & Pervin, 2013).
Rogers believed that humans are inherently good, capable of personal growth, and
have an innate drive towards self-actualization, which can be facilitated through a supportive
therapeutic environment (Rogers, 1959). According to Rogers, self-actualization is the
ultimate goal of reaching one's highest potential, and he believed it is a natural and ongoing
process that individuals are driven to pursue (Rogers, 1951). He emphasized the importance
of the individual's subjective experiences and personal perceptions, rather than objective
reality, in shaping behaviour and mental processes (Rogers, 1951). Rogers proposed the
phenomenal field, a subjective construct that reflects not only the experience of the outer
Theory
Kristin A. Mina
Department of Psychology, University of Auckland
PSYCH 207: Theories of Personality and Development
Dr Amy Bird
May 15, 2022
Word count: 2066
, This critical review discusses the Phenomenological Theory that focuses on the
individual’s subjective experience and perception of reality. The theory includes two core
ideas, self-concept and positive regard. This review will examine the strength and weaknesses
of both core ideas, considering the history of the theory and ideas, their place within the
psychology of personality and development, and their relevance today and in the future.
Furthermore, this review will integrate examples from Tracey's case study to better
understand the application of these concepts. Finally, a personal reflection will be included on
how these concepts relate to my personal life.
A phenomenological theory
Carl Rogers (1902-1987) was a clinical psychologist who developed the
phenomenological theory during the mid-20th century in response to the post-World War II
cultural climate in the United States. Rogers' core ideas were developed in response to
criticisms of traditional psychoanalytic and behavioural approaches, which he saw as
neglectful of individual agency. Additionally, Rogers drew from Abraham Maslow's work on
self-actualization and the importance of human potential. Hence, Rogers aimed to create a
more humanistic and holistic approach focused on the individual's unique experience and
potential (Cervone & Pervin, 2013).
Rogers believed that humans are inherently good, capable of personal growth, and
have an innate drive towards self-actualization, which can be facilitated through a supportive
therapeutic environment (Rogers, 1959). According to Rogers, self-actualization is the
ultimate goal of reaching one's highest potential, and he believed it is a natural and ongoing
process that individuals are driven to pursue (Rogers, 1951). He emphasized the importance
of the individual's subjective experiences and personal perceptions, rather than objective
reality, in shaping behaviour and mental processes (Rogers, 1951). Rogers proposed the
phenomenal field, a subjective construct that reflects not only the experience of the outer
