What are 'conditions of worth' in the context of humanistic psychology?

In humanistic psychology, 'conditions of worth' refer to the limitations placed on an individual's self-worth or value based on their behaviors, particularly those set by significant others like parents. This concept, introduced by Carl Rogers, suggests that when people feel that their worth is contingent upon meeting certain expectations or behaving in certain ways, it can significantly affect their self-esteem and psychological well-being.

For example, if a child perceives that they are only loved or accepted when they achieve good grades or exhibit specific behaviors, they may internalize those conditions. As a result, they might struggle with self-acceptance and feel the need to conform to those expectations to gain approval and love. This dynamic creates a conflict between their true self and the self they present to the world, which can lead to lower self-esteem and even mental health issues.

The other options speak to different aspects of human experience and psychology but do not capture the specific relationship between self-worth and behavior as framed by conditions of worth.