Experiências depressivas na perspectiva humanista de Carl Rogers: pesquisas teóricas e proposições conceituais

Abstract

The present work aimed to develop an interpretation of depressive experience based on the theoretical framework of Carl Rogers’ Person-Centered Therapy (PCT). Acknowledging depression as a complex mental health problem with significant subjective and social impact, the study conducts a narrative review to map the main conceptual and clinical approaches adopted in the PCT. A strong emphasis was identified on the facilitative conditions (empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard) as primary clinical resources in the care of individuals experiencing depressive suffering; however, these concepts are often presented in a descriptive manner and insufficiently articulated with a deeper understanding of the depressive experience. Based on these findings, an analysis of the depressive phenomenon was conducted drawing on Rogers’ theory of personality and behaviour, revealing theoretical gaps in the understanding of depression and indicating the need to introduce the notion of a depressed self in contrast to the concepts of the real self and the ideal self. In this perspective, depression is situated between two poles: depressed functioning and fully functioning. The restriction of openness to experience and the presence of defences are not interpreted as obstacles to growth, but as temporary resources to contain risks of psychic disorganization or self-destructive impulses. After that, a comparative dialogue was developed between the humanistic-experiential approach and phenomenological psychopathology. Both perspectives converge in understanding depression as a blockage of vital movement and a restriction of existential possibilities. They diverge, however, at the explanatory level: while the humanistic-experiential approach emphasizes processes of experiencing, symbolization, and self-regulation phenomenological psychopathology describes depression as alterations manifested in corporeality, temporality, spatiality, and the relationship with others. The literature recognizes the clinical potential of PCT in the treatment of depression, particularly in mild and moderate cases; nevertheless, a theoretical gap remains regarding an understanding of depression grounded in the core constructs of Rogers’ personality theory, indicating the need for future research integrating theory with empirical data.