What causes psychological distress in an individual according to humanistic theory?

According to humanistic theory, psychological distress arises largely from discrepancies between the actual self, ideal self, and perceived self. This perspective, often associated with theorists like Carl Rogers, emphasizes the importance of self-concept and personal growth. When individuals find a significant gap between who they actually are (the actual self), who they aspire to be (the ideal self), and how they view themselves (the perceived self), they experience inner conflict and distress. This misalignment can lead to feelings of inadequacy, low self-esteem, and can hinder personal development.

Humanistic theory posits that achieving congruence among these selves is essential for overall well-being. When people can reconcile their actual self with their ideal aspirations and perceptions, they are more likely to experience fulfillment and psychological health. Thus, the concept of self-actualization is key, and any barriers to reaching this state, primarily stemming from incongruences in the self-concept, are seen as sources of psychological distress.