Congruence and Incongruence

• Congruence refers to the alignment between one’s perceived Self and the ideal self
• A significant gap between the perceived self and ideal self means a person experiences incongruence and can’t achieve self-actualisation
• To become more congruent people must adopt a more realistic Ideal self
• Often peoples ideal selves are shaped by conditions of worth which are expectations from others that one must meet to earn the love or approval of others
• conditions of worth can lead to an ideal self that is unattainably perfect or not truly reflective of someone’s genuine desires and values
• By recognising and modifying these unrealistic standards individuals can set more attainable goals that are in harmony with their true selves
• Improving self-concept is helped by receiving unconditional positive regard from others , acceptance and love without conditions or expectations
• When individuals experience this support they are more likely to develop a positive and realistic self image acknowledging their strengths and weaknesses without undue self-criticism