What factors does the feedback loop in PCT include?

In Person-Centered Therapy (PCT), the feedback loop is integral to understanding a person's self-concept and their experiences. The factors identified in the correct answer—incongruence, anxiety, and defense mechanisms—represent key elements that contribute to an individual’s psychological well-being.

Incongruence refers to a discrepancy between a person's self-image and their experiences, leading to feelings of unease. This lack of alignment can trigger anxiety, prompting the individual to rely on defense mechanisms to cope with the discomfort. Defense mechanisms are psychological strategies that protect a person from experiencing anxiety by distorting reality or denying certain feelings. They represent an individual's attempts to maintain a stable self-concept when confronted with the fear of incongruence.

Understanding these components helps therapists create a supportive environment where clients can explore their feelings and experiences more freely. By recognizing the roles that incongruence and defense mechanisms play in emotional distress, therapists can guide clients toward greater self-awareness and actualization.

The other options do not encapsulate the primary factors involved in the feedback loop. While love, happiness, and support are positive influences in a therapeutic context, they do not directly relate to the mechanisms at play regarding incongruence and anxiety. Direct communication is indeed important in PCT