Incongruence is the psychological condition wherein the self-image of an individual differs from his or her experiences, behaviors, or feelings. This concept was pivotal in the works of Carl Rogers, who is renowned for his humanistic approach, in which the real self and the ideal self have to be in congruence. Incongruence is troublesome for the individual—inner turmoil, anxiety, discomfort, or the feeling of not being in the right body, all arise because self-image differs from self-reality. An illustration of this is a person who describes themselves as confident, yet avoids all social contact. Such a conflict internally is termed as cognitive dissonance. Incongruence which is continuous and chronic can seriously damage personal development and positive mental health. Self-awareness, self-acceptance, and positive regard for oneself and others is vital in therapies like personal-centered therapy where the aim is to increase congruence and support the individual to live a more real and synthesized life.
Categories