Personal construct theory and psychological well-being.

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  • Author(s): Button E
  • Source:
    The British journal of medical psychology [Br J Med Psychol] 1983 Dec; Vol. 56 ( Pt 4), pp. 313-21.
  • Publication Type:
    Journal Article
  • Language:
    English
  • Additional Information
    • Source:
      Publisher: British Psychological Society Country of Publication: England NLM ID: 0370640 Publication Model: Print Cited Medium: Print ISSN: 0007-1129 (Print) Linking ISSN: 00071129 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Br J Med Psychol Subsets: MEDLINE
    • Publication Information:
      Publication: Letchworth Eng : British Psychological Society
      Original Publication: London [etc.]
    • Subject Terms:
      Adaptation, Psychological* ; Psychological Theory*; Mental Disorders/*psychology; Anorexia Nervosa/psychology ; Depressive Disorder/psychology ; Gender Identity ; Humans ; Neurotic Disorders/psychology ; Prognosis ; Schizophrenic Psychology ; Sick Role ; Social Adjustment ; Thinking
    • Abstract:
      The concept of 'psychological well-being' (as opposed to 'psychological disorder') is considered from the standpoint of George Kelly's personal construct theory (Kelly, 1955). It is argued that the origin of psychological disorder lies in a difficulty in 'person construing', with particular reference to 'self-construing'. For some (like schizophrenics) this may be a relatively permanent state of affairs, whereas for others it may reflect a temporary crisis or transition. It seems that the ability to maintain a relatively stable, yet flexible, self-construction may be crucial. Social relationships, however, although potentially validating, also carry the risk of invalidating our self-construction. An individual's particular response to 'invalidation' may be substantially determined by commonality of construing in his particular context, e.g. an adolescent female may turn to slimming whereas a young male may turn to alcohol. Although the theory has proved to be most useful at an explanatory level, it has been applied therapeutically only to a limited extent. It is argued that psychologists may make a greater contribution to the enhancement of psychological well-being by applying constructive alternativism within a learning or educational context rather than the clinical setting.
    • Publication Date:
      Date Created: 19831201 Date Completed: 19840322 Latest Revision: 20190913
    • Publication Date:
      20231215
    • Accession Number:
      10.1111/j.2044-8341.1983.tb01563.x
    • Accession Number:
      6661401