The Psychology of Personal Constructs

The Psychology of Personal Constructs, developed by George Kelly, suggests that people understand the world and make sense of their experiences through mental frameworks called "constructs." These constructs are essentially pairs of opposite ideas, like "friendly-unfriendly" or "successful-unsuccessful." We use these to evaluate ourselves, others, and events. By applying these personal beliefs, we predict future outcomes and guide our behavior. When faced with new experiences, we adjust our constructs to improve our understanding. This process helps us navigate life, making sense of our interactions and shaping our identities based on our unique perceptions of the world.