Kelly’s Theory of Personal Constructs - Cognitive Constructive alternativism = we can change or replace the way that we interpret events Constructive alternativism = we can change or replace the way that we interpret events Behavior is rarely predetermined Behavior is rarely predetermined We make our own decisions We make our own decisions We don’t just react – we act We don’t just react – we act

Kelly’s personal constructs = mental representations used to interpret events Constructs are 1. Bipolar – have opposing characteristics emergent pole – applies to the event being construed emergent pole – applies to the event being construed Implicit pole – end of the construct not being actively applied Implicit pole – end of the construct not being actively applied

Qualities of Constructs 1. Role of recurrences 2. Range of convenience – set of events for which a construct is useful 3. Permeability – degree to which a construct’s range of convenience can be altered 4. Focus of convenience – set of events for which construct is most predictive 5. Elaboration and change

Organization of constructs Heirarchical Heirarchical Superordinate levels Superordinate levels Subordinate levels Subordinate levels Not permanently fixed Not permanently fixed

Growth & Development Revolves around attempt to maximize understanding and prediction of the world Revolves around attempt to maximize understanding and prediction of the world Tendency is innate Tendency is innate Actively process events Actively process events

Assessment Role Construct Repertory Test “Rep Test” Role Construct Repertory Test “Rep Test” Grid Grid Columns across top – significant people in life Columns across top – significant people in life Rows down side – sets of construals to be made Rows down side – sets of construals to be made Consider groups of triads Consider groups of triads

Normal Functioning and Psychopathology Normal functioning: successfully interpreting and predicting events Normal functioning: successfully interpreting and predicting events Psychological distress Psychological distress Anxiety Anxiety Fear Fear threat threat

Fixed Role Therapy Change overt behavior in order to generate new construals Change overt behavior in order to generate new construals