What are "conditions of worth" associated with in an individual's behavior?

The concept of "conditions of worth" refers to the idea that individuals often learn to value themselves based on the approval and acceptance of others, leading to behavior that aligns with those expectations. When a person behaves in a manner primarily aimed at receiving love, validation, or acceptance from others, they are effectively operating under these conditions of worth. This often stems from experiences in childhood where individuals find that they are only loved or valued when they meet certain criteria set by caregivers or important figures in their lives.

As a result, individuals may suppress their true feelings and authentic selves to conform to the standards they believe are necessary to earn love and acceptance. This behavior can lead to a lack of self-acceptance and a dependence on external validation, which is contrary to the principles espoused in person-centered therapy that promotes self-acceptance based on one's inherent worth.

In contrast, self-acceptance without external validation, unconditional support from caregivers, and a disregard for societal expectations do not align directly with the definition of conditions of worth, which focus specifically on the tendency to alter one's behavior to meet the perceived approval of others.