fei75766_ch10_309-344.indd 329  02/06/20 12:29 PM
Chapter 10    Rogers: Person-Centered Theory 329
forward his“characteristics ofthealtered personality”; thenheenlarged onthe
concept ofthefully functioning person inanunpublished paper (Rogers, 1953). In
1959, histheory ofthehealthy personality wasexpounded intheKoch series, andhe
returned tothistopic frequently during theearly 1960s (Rogers, 1961, 1962, 1963). 
Somewhat later, hedescribed boththeworld oftomorrow andtheperson of tomor -
row(Rogers, 1980).
Ifthethree necessary andsufficient therapeutic conditions ofcongruence, 
unconditional positive regard, andempathy areoptimal, thenwhat kindofperson 
would emerge? Rogers (1961, 1962, 1980) listed several possible characteristics.
First, psychologically healthy people would bemore adaptable. Thus, from an
evolutionary viewpoint, theywould bemore likely tosurvive—hence thetitle“per-
sonsoftomorrow.” They would notmerely adjust toastatic environment butwould 
realize thatconformity andadjustment toafixed condition havelittlelong-term 
survival value.
Second, persons oftomorrow would beopen to their experiences, accurately 
symbolizing them inawareness rather thandenying ordistorting them. Thissimple 
statement ispregnant withmeaning. Forpeople whoareopen toexperience, allstim-
uli,whether stemming from within theorganism orfrom theexternal environment, 
arefreely received bytheself.Persons oftomorrow would listen tothemselves and
heartheirjoy,anger, discouragement, fear,andtenderness.
Arelated characteristic ofpersons oftomorrow would beatrust in their organ -
ismic selves. These fullyfunctioning people would notdepend onothers forguidance 
because theywould realize thattheirownexperiences arethebestcriteria formaking 
choices; theywould dowhat feelsrightforthem because theywould trusttheirown
inner feelings more thanthepontifications ofparents ortherigidrules ofsociety. 
However, theywould alsoperceive clearly therights andfeelings ofother people, 
which theywould takeintoconsideration when making decisions.
Athird characteristic ofpersons oftomorrow would beatendency tolive fully 
in the moment. Because these people would beopen totheirexperiences, theywould 
experience aconstant stateoffluidity andchange. What theyexperience ineach
moment would benewandunique, something never before experienced bytheirevolv -
ingself.They would seeeachexperience withanewfreshness andappreciate itfully
inthepresent moment. Rogers (1961) referred tothistendency toliveinthemoment 
asexistential living. Persons oftomorrow would havenoneed todeceive themselves 
andnoreason toimpress others. They would beyoung inmind andspirit, withnopre-
conceptions about howtheworld should be.They would discover what anexperience 
means tothem byliving thatexperience without theprejudice ofprior expectations.
Fourth, persons oftomorrow would remain confident oftheirownability to
experience harmonious relations with others. They would feelnoneed tobeliked or
loved byeveryone, because theywould know thattheyareunconditionally prized and
accepted bysomeone. They would seekintimacy withanother person whoisprob-
ablyequally healthy, andsucharelationship itself would contribute tothecontinual 
growth ofeach partner. Persons oftomorrow would beauthentic intheir relations 
withothers. They would bewhat theyappear tobe,without deceit orfraud, with-
outdefenses andfacades, without hypocrisy andsham. They would careabout oth-
ers,butinanonjudgmental manner. They would seekmeaning beyond themselves 
andwould yearn forthespiritual lifeandinner peace.Final PDF to printer