Read the passage below and answer the questions
Rishabh often feels dissatisfied with himself, despite receiving appreciation from his family and friends. According to Carl Rogers, such dissatisfaction arises when there is an incongruence between an ideal and real self of an individual. Rogers proposed that individuals have an inherent tendency towards growth and fulfillment known as self-actualization. However, this growth can be hindered when an individual receives conditional positive regard and when acceptance depends on certain fixed expectations. If this continues, individuals like Rishabh may deny or distort their lived experiences. This in turn can harm their self-concept and psychological well-being.
Self-actualization means:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Realizing one’s true potential
Option (1) Instant gratification — Incorrect. Immediate gratification of needs is how Freud’s id works, on the pleasure principle. Self-actualisation is long-term growth, not quick pleasure.
Option (2) External achievements — Incorrect. Self-actualisation is about inner growth, expressing one’s own capabilities and talents; outside success alone does not make it. Rishabh is appreciated by others and is still dissatisfied.
Option (3) Social conformity — Incorrect. Conforming means behaving as others expect. In the passage, acceptance that depends on fixed expectations is what hinders growth.
Option (4) Realizing one’s true potential — Correct. Self-actualisation is a state in which people have reached their own fullest potential. Rogers adds that people have a tendency to maximise self-concept through self-actualisation, and the passage calls it the inherent tendency towards growth and fulfilment.
NCERT (2025-26): “Humanistic Approach … Maslow has given a detailed account of psychologically healthy people in terms of their attainment of self-actualisation, a state in which people have reached their own fullest potential. Maslow had an optimistic and positive view of man who has the potentialities for love, joy and to do creative work. Human beings are considered free to shape their lives and to self-actualise.…” |