Rogers’ model of maturity emanated from his personal experiences as a clinical psychologist. He believed that life is a flowing and changing process, and mature individuals must be able to cope with any of these changes to survive. Rogers’ approach to the study of individuals can be termed phenomenological and idiographic because of a rational manner, in which it handles the elements that constitute a mature person.
This essay explicates Rogers’ model of maturity highlighting elements that make up a mature person. As explained by Rogers (2012), one of the key aspects of the maturity model is self-actualization. Rogers noted that mature individuals always have an urge for self-actualization and progress within their respective society. It concerns personal growth and development. However, this theory can be successful in cases where individuals accept themselves. Maturity comes with the element of self-acceptance and the application of this directional approach to life situations. FitzMaurice (2012) is of the view that listening to oneself and accepting all the strengths and weaknesses is vital for self-actualization among mature individuals. There is always an element of strong personal consciousness without necessarily thinking about what others have to say. According to Rogers (1958), people cannot develop or move forward in cases when they do not accept what they are, and realize the potentialities they bear. Maturity is realized when the self-actualization tendency cannot be destroyed without the destruction of the individual. A personal initiative urges to fulfill the purpose that one intends to achieve at any given time.
Another vital aspect of maturity is congruency. It is being consistent with whom people are. Rogers (2012) noted that maturity is realized when a person can be consistent with his/her principles at any given place. In his/her relationship with other people, a mature person will not pretend to be the one he/she is not. For instance, one will not feign calmness and happiness when he or she is angry and not happy for others. The best way to live freely as a mature person is to be open without any form of pretense or acting in a manner geared towards pleasing other people. Life is not just about pleasing others, but fulfilling one’s potential as a mature person. Therefore, individuals should not deny aspects of their experiences and feelings when interacting with others. They should maintain their personal images and say what they feel, as it will be right in any given setting.
Carl Rogers (2012) also pointed out the view that maturity entails understanding situations of other persons. He explained this in the aspect of empathy. Accordingly, he explained that it is different from sympathy, as it involves interacting with other people and understanding their feelings and experiences through active listening and non-directive attitude. FitzMaurice (2012) reiterates that maturity is about giving other people time to explain their experiences and situations without any form of interference. In the explanation of the model of maturity, Rogers opined that it is typical of individuals to understand what others are going through. However, giving a listening ear and understanding their situations is instrumental for their progress and acceptance of oneself in society. It underscores the view that people appreciate the significance and impact of their experiences and feelings about different situations. Therefore, empathy constitutes a mature person and helps in the creation of trust among different people within society.
The last vital element that Rogers (1958) highlighted in respect to maturity is that life is a flowing and changing process, and a mature person has to adapt to these changes to succeed. There are usually diverse changes, and the ability to adapt to them and come out successfully can be boosted by positive self-regard. Positive self-regard implies that judgments of other people do not harm the desire to adapt and live a fulfilled life in changing conditions. For a mature person, life is always successful when it is free-flowing and changing in different directions. They are always ready to handle these changes positively without basing on the judgment and attitudes of other people. Again, FitzMaurice (2012) informs that maturity is about understanding that there are no fixed points in life. A continued interpretation and understanding of changing beliefs and principles within society are necessary for maximum realization of the human potential.
The theory is crucial for explaining the autonomy that mature individuals have in terms of driving their lives. It has been termed as the main advantage in trying to understand human beings and their lives within their respective societies. Rogers (2012) stated that a good life emanates from the ability of a person to accept everything about oneself, moving forward towards the realization of targets. FitzMaurice (2012) agrees that the model has been criticized for its ambiguous approach to self. It has a wider explication of the self and does not break down the key elements that would make it easier for individuals to understand it.
In conclusion, Rogers’ model of maturity tends to give tips on effective living for mature individuals. One of the key tips is that a mature person is congruent meaning that he or she is consistent with his or her own experiences. Additionally, such people listen to others and appreciate their experiences without unnecessary questioning. Maturity is also marked by the desire for self-actualization through the realization of potentials and limitations. Self-acceptance is the key used for the realization of all goals as a mature person.
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