Read the passage and answer the following question:
The humanistic-existential therapies propose that psychological distress originates from feelings of alienation, loneliness and inability to find meaning in life. Individuals have needs for personal growth and self-actualisation. When these needs are not met it creates psychological distress.
The therapy creates a permissive, non-judgmental and accepting atmosphere in which the client's emotions can be freely expressed and balance achieved.
Gestalt Therapy is one of the therapies under this category which was given by Freiderick Perls and Laura Perls. This therapy works with a goal to increase an individual's self-awareness and self-acceptance. Similarly, client can reconnect with his/her disintegrated feelings. The therapist shows empathy and unconditional positive regard towards the client. This therapy also believes that client has the resources and potential to deal with the distress. In conclusion, it can be said that these therapies help a client to become his/her real self with the therapist working as facilitator.
Feelings of alienation, loneliness and inability to find meaning in life can cause:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Psychological distress
Option (1) Self-actualisation — Incorrect. Self-actualisation is the inborn force that moves a person to become more complex, balanced and integrated. Loneliness and lack of meaning do not cause it; they come when this need is curbed.
Option (2) Homeostasis — Incorrect. Homeostasis is the balance of the body’s internal state. Stress is described as a disruption in homeostasis, so alienation and loneliness would disturb it, not cause it.
Option (3) Psychological distress — Correct. The humanistic-existential therapies postulate that psychological distress arises from feelings of loneliness, alienation, and an inability to find meaning and genuine fulfilment in life. When the needs for personal growth and self-actualisation are curbed by society and family, human beings experience psychological distress.
Option (4) Self-growth — Incorrect. Personal growth is the need that human beings are motivated by. Alienation and meaninglessness show that this need is blocked; they do not produce growth.
NCERT (2025-26): “Humanistic-existential Therapy … The humanistic-existential therapies postulate that psychological distress arises from feelings of loneliness, alienation, and an inability to find meaning and genuine fulfilment in life. Human beings are motivated by the desire for personal growth and self-actualisation, and an innate need to grow emotionally. When these needs are curbed by society and family, human beings experience psychological distress. Self-actualisation is defined as an innate or inborn force that moves the person to become more complex, balanced, and integrated, i.e. achieving the complexity and balance without being fragmented.…” |