Week 11: Kelly's Personal Construct Theory

What is the focus of Kelly's Personal Construct Theory (PCT)?

The whole person and their uniquely human capacity to reflect on themselves and their actions.

How does Kelly's PCT differ from Freud's perspective?

Kelly focuses more on cognitive processes rather than animalistic drives.

What does the term 'cognitive' refer to in Kelly's theory?

It refers to the processes of knowing and how we categorize and make meaning out of our experiences.

What is phenomenology in the context of Kelly's PCT?

The study of how objects and meanings are perceived and interpreted.

What are constructs in Kelly's theory?

Categories we use to interpret and give meaning to our experiences.

When did Kelly publish his Personal Construct Theory?

In 1955.

What was the dominant psychological paradigm in the 1950s?

Behaviorism, focusing on reward and punishment paradigms.

What is an example of intermittent reinforcement?

Gambling, dating apps, or social media where behaviors are sometimes rewarded.

How do shared constructs differ from individual variation in psychological constructs?

Shared constructs are similar for concrete objects, while individual variation occurs in describing people and emotions.

What is an example of individual variation in the construct of 'confidence'?

Person A sees confidence as speaking loudly, while Person B sees it as quiet self-assurance.

What does Kelly mean by 'enduring cognitive concepts'?

Constructs that provide meaning to our worlds and are somewhat adaptable yet stable.

What was Kelly's view on the nature of truth in psychology?

He believed there is no absolute truth; phenomena are meaningful based on interpretation.

What is constructive alternativism according to Kelly?

The idea that we can use multiple theories, each with unique utility, rather than choosing one absolute theory.

What critique did Kelly have regarding the measurement of individual differences in psychology?

He believed psychologists overemphasize measurement, treating traits as fixed objects rather than fluid concepts.

What is the 'Invitational Mood' in Kelly's critique of psychology?

A call for psychology to be creative and exploratory rather than dogmatic.

What does Kelly mean by 'range of convenience' for a theory?

The boundaries within which a theory applies effectively.

What is the focus of convenience in Kelly's theories?

The specific areas where a theory works best within its range.

How does Kelly view the role of individuals in predicting events?

He sees everyone as scientists trying to develop ideas that allow for predictions about future events.

What is the 'person-as-scientist' concept in Kelly's theory?

The idea that individuals actively engage with their environment to test hypotheses and correct errors.

What is the goal of cognitive-based therapies according to Kelly?

To help clients reframe their experiences and adapt their belief systems.

What is a Stoic tenet that aligns with Kelly's views?

Focus on what you can control to reduce suffering.

What are the two main principles of Kelly's view of the person?

1. We are future-oriented, formulating hypotheses about future outcomes. 2. Our beliefs are based on past and present experiences.

What is constructive alternativism?

The idea that we can mentally reconstruct events and adopt alternative theories or explanations.

How do personal constructs help us interpret the world?

They organize experiences into our perception of the world and give meaning to those experiences.

What is a construct?

A concept used to interpret the world around us.

How are constructs formed?

Through an automatic process that helps make sense of the world and experiences.

What are the two poles of a construct according to Kelly?

A similarity pole (similar events) and a contrast pole (different event).

What is an example of a construct related to parenting?

The construct of 'caring' parents based on observing affectionate behaviors.

What does it mean for constructs to be idiographic?

Constructs are unique to the individual and formed from personal experiences.

How can communication be enhanced regarding constructs?

By learning about each other's constructs and being humble and curious.

What are core constructs?

Constructs central to a person's functioning that can only change with significant consequences.

What are peripheral constructs?

Less important constructs that can be easily modified.

What is the Role Construct Repertory Test (Rep Test)?

An assessment tool developed by Kelly to understand a person's constructs.

What are the two steps of the Rep Test?

First, the client names a set of 9 important people or things; second, they compare groups of 3 to identify similarities and differences.

What does the submerged end of a construct refer to?

An end of a construct that is not readily acknowledged, such as absolute statements.

What is the significance of recognizing both ends of a construct?

It leads to better constructs and constructive alternativism.

How do constructs reflect on an individual's personality?

They reveal how an individual interprets the world and their personal values.

What are verbal and preverbal constructs?

Verbal constructs can be expressed in words, while preverbal constructs are learned before language development.

How can exposure therapy relate to constructs?

It can modify peripheral constructs, such as the belief that 'snakes are very dangerous.'

What is the role of experience in the development of constructs?

Experience provides new options and knowledge that can modify existing constructs.

What is the importance of recognizing patterns in construct formation?

It helps distinguish between similarities and contrasts, which is essential for creating constructs.

How can two people have different constructs for the same term?

They may use the same word but mean different things based on their experiences.

What is the relationship between constructs and personality assessment?

Understanding a person's constructs helps in assessing their personality and how they function.

What does it mean for constructs to not be multi-dimensional?

Constructs do not have segments or points; subtleties require the creation of new constructs.

What does the term 'cognitive lens' refer to in the context of constructs?

It refers to the perspective we use to interpret the world, which can change if it is not useful.

How can self-analysis improve one's constructs?

By being open to criticism and reflecting on one's personality and constructs.

What is the role of humility in understanding constructs?

It allows individuals to recognize that others may see the world differently.

What does it mean for constructs to be dynamic?

The meaning of constructs can change over time and with new experiences.

What is the rep grid in psychological testing?

A tool that allows clients to change their responses at any time, providing a flexible understanding of perceptions.

How do people differ in cognitive complexity?

They differ in both the content of individual constructs and the organization of their construct systems.

What characterizes individuals with high cognitive complexity?

They have many constructs with minimal overlap and can distinguish between nuanced traits.

What is an example of fine-grained constructs?

Distinguishing between 'confident', 'arrogant', 'self-assured', and 'cocky'.

What is the relationship between cognitive complexity and predicting behavior?

Individuals with higher cognitive complexity are better at predicting others' behavior and outcomes.

What did Mayo & Crockett (1964) find about high complex persons?

They integrate inconsistent information into their impressions of people, a concept known as Rogerian assimilation.

What ability do high complex persons have according to Adams-Weber (1979)?

They can perceive and adopt the roles of others, showing empathy and understanding from different perspectives.

How is cognitive complexity related to personality traits?

It is highly related to high levels of 'openness to experience' as described in the Big Five personality traits.

What is low self-complexity?

Defining oneself through one or two primary identities and using limited descriptors across contexts.

What is high self-complexity?

Maintaining distinct self-aspects with different attributes that vary by context.

What did Kelly suggest about motivation in his theory?

He suggested that motivation is redundant and that anticipation of events drives psychological processes.

What is the fundamental postulate in Kelly's Personal Construct Theory?

It states that psychological processes are channeled by how we anticipate events.

How do constructs serve as motivators according to Kelly?

Constructs help us anticipate outcomes and shape our actions to achieve desired results.

What happens when a person's construct system is challenged?

They may experience anxiety, fear, or a sense of threat as they confront new experiences.

What is anxiety in the context of construct systems?

The recognition that an event lies outside the range of convenience of one's construct system.

What is the difference between fear and threat in psychological terms?

Fear occurs when a new construct is about to enter the system, while threat is the awareness of imminent comprehensive change.

How can individuals respond to the threat of core structure change?

They may cling to a constricted and negative system to avoid the discomfort of change.

What is a potential consequence of challenging a core belief of being unlovable?

It may lead to a realization of being lovable, which can pose a threat to the existing core belief.

What is the role of validation in construct systems?

People seek validation and expansion of their constructs, even if the outcomes are negative.

What is an example of a revised theory in personal constructs?

Changing the belief from 'I should always agree to be liked' to 'I should share my own perspectives for deeper connections.'

What is the primary focus of Personal Construct Theory (PCT)?

PCT focuses on how individuals develop constructs based on observing patterns or events.

At what stage do preverbal constructs develop according to PCT?

Preverbal constructs develop during infancy.

How do constructs develop across cultures?

Similar constructs develop across cultures over time.

What factors may lead to higher complexity in construct systems?

More varied childhood experiences and more autonomous parenting compared to authoritarian parenting.

What does Kelly suggest about psychopathology?

Psychopathology is a disordered response to anxiety.

What is the sequence of events leading to psychopathology according to PCT?

Event (new) → anxiety → threat → no change to constructs or narrowing of constructs.

What is a common behavior of poorly functioning individuals regarding their constructs?

They retain their constructs even if they repeatedly yield incorrect predictions.

What is the role of anxiety in the development of psychopathology?

Psychopathology is produced from protecting oneself from anxiety and threat.

What is 'time-pinning' in the context of PCT?

It refers to a construct that perceives the world as a dangerous place, leading to aggressive behavior.

What is fixed-role therapy?

A therapeutic approach where individuals act out alternative roles to explore new constructs.

What is the desired outcome of fixed-role therapy?

To help individuals drop maladaptive constructs and create new, more accurate ones.

What are the strengths of Personal Construct Theory?

Emphasizes cognitive processes, has both nomothetic and idiographic bases, and includes a precise assessment tool (REP).

What are the limitations of Personal Construct Theory?

Lacks cultural studies, has little on growth and development, and has not led to extensive research.

What is the REP assessment tool?

A versatile tool that matches the theory of PCT and can provide insights into subjective and objective experiences.

How does PCT view individuals in relation to their constructs?

Individuals act like scientists, testing and revising their constructs based on experiences.

What is the significance of the fundamental postulate in PCT?

It underpins the comprehensiveness of the theory, explaining how people interpret their experiences.

What is a critical evaluation of the scientific observation aspect of PCT?

PCT provides detailed, in-depth analysis of patients similar to Freud and Rogers.

What was a major contribution of PCT to psychology?

It laid the roots for social-cognitive behavioral theory.

What does 'constructive alternativism' refer to?

The idea that individuals can explore alternative constructs to improve their understanding and behavior.

What is the role of community therapy in changing constructs?

It helps individuals test and revise their constructs over time in a supportive environment.

What is the relationship between constructs and anxiety in PCT?

Constructs can be adaptive and necessary, even if they are negative, as they help manage anxiety.

How does PCT address the issue of maladaptive constructs?

It suggests that individuals can change their constructs through therapy and new experiences.