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What is the concept of congruence?
Two objects or shapes are said to be congruent if they superimpose on each other. Their shape and dimensions are the same. In the case of geometric figures, line segments with the same length are congruent and angle with the same measure are congruent. If two figures can be placed precisely over each other, they are said to be ‘congruent’ figures. If you place one slice of bread over the other, you will find that both the slices are of equal shape and size. The term “congruent” means exactly equal shape and size. The simplest way to prove that triangles are congruent is to prove that all three sides of the triangle are congruent. When all the sides of two triangles are congruent, the angles of those triangles must also be congruent. This method is called side-side-side, or SSS for short. There are four main types of congruent angles formed in this scenario: Alternate Interior Angles, Alternate Exterior Angles, Corresponding Angles, and Vertical Angles. Alternate Interior Angles are located in between the two parallel lines, but on alternate sides of the transversal. Simply put, congruence is when you are in agreement or in harmony; when what you say is aligned with everything that you do. Being congruent is an essential component of public speaking if you wish to be able to influence, persuade, educate and change people thinking.
What is congruence and incongruence?
Although general use of the word has come to mean inconsistent or incompatible, Rogers had a more specific definition in mind. He defined congruence as the matching of experience and awareness. Incongruence was therefore lacking congruence, or having feelings not aligned with your actions. Congruence and incongruence have to do with attitudes of a person with which the person may attentively face an object or use it as an expedient. When we say that congruence is needed in therapy we mean that sincere recognition, not words as an action, is needed in therapy. Congruence promotes a sense of self-worth and a more healthy, productive life. On the other hand, a person’s ideal self may not be consistent with what happens in life and that person’s experiences. As a result, a disparity may exist between a person’s real self and their ideal self. This is known as incongruence. Incongruence, as it exists for the client, is a “state of internal confusion, since in some respects the individual’s behavior will be regulated by the actualizing tendency, and in other respects by the self-actualizing tendency, thus producing discordant or incomprehensible behaviors” (Rogers 1959, p. 203; cf. Being congruent is about being open and honest with yourself.