What is the foundational belief of conditions of worth?

The foundational belief of conditions of worth aligns closely with the concept that love and acceptance can be contingent upon certain behaviors, performances, or compliance with specific expectations. This idea emerges from humanistic psychology, particularly the work of Carl Rogers. He posited that many individuals develop a framework where their self-worth is contingent on meeting certain criteria set by themselves or society. This means that people feel valued and loved only if they meet these conditions, such as academic success, professional achievements, or adherence to societal norms.

When love is conditional in this way, it can lead individuals to feel unworthy or inadequate if they fail to meet perceived expectations, which can adversely affect their mental health and sense of self. Thus, this perspective emphasizes the impact of external validation on self-esteem and the importance of recognizing and overcoming these conditions to foster true self-acceptance and psychological well-being.

In contrast, unconditional love and acceptance, essential for healthy self-esteem and emotional development, would contradict the concept of conditions of worth, which inherently involves strings attached to love and acceptance.