In the context of humanistic psychology, incongruence refers to which of the following?

• A. A state of emotional equilibrium and self-acceptance
• B. The process of learning through observation and imitation
• C. A temporary loss of memory due to psychological trauma
• D. A mismatch between an individual's self-concept and their actual experiences

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of incongruence within humanistic psychology, which primarily deals with the alignment or mismatch between a person's self-concept and their experiences.
2. Recall that self-concept refers to how individuals perceive themselves, including their beliefs, feelings, and thoughts about who they are.
3. Recognize that incongruence occurs when there is a discrepancy between this self-concept and the actual experiences or reality the person faces.
4. Note that this mismatch can lead to feelings of discomfort, anxiety, or psychological distress because the individual's perception of themselves does not align with their lived experiences.
5. Conclude that incongruence is not about emotional equilibrium, learning by imitation, or memory loss, but specifically about the conflict between self-concept and experience.