Rogers focused on the way in which the opinions of others impede or facilitate self-actualization. He stressed the importance of positive regard—being loved and accepted for who one is. Rogers...

Rogers focused on the way in which the opinions of others impede or facilitate self-actualization. He stressed the importance of positive regard—being loved and accepted for who one is. Rogers distinguished between unconditional and conditional positive regard. Regard is unconditional when parents communicate to a child that the child’s behavior is bad, not the child. Regard is conditional when parents tend to communicate that the child is a bad person. Think back to your childhood. How did your parents scold you when you did something wrong? Did they tell you that you were bad or that your behavior was bad? Informally poll your friends and family about their parents’ scolding styles. Are there any discernible trends in child rearing that you can detect, such as by generation, gender, or class? Explain your feelings.