According to Kelly, what do psychologically unhealthy individuals tend to do with personal constructs?

Psychologically unhealthy individuals often tend to cling to outdated constructs because their rigidity in thinking prevents them from adapting to new experiences and information. In Kelly's Personal Construct Theory, personal constructs are the mental frameworks that individuals use to interpret and make sense of the world around them. When someone is psychologically unhealthy, they may resist re-evaluating or changing these constructs, even in the face of contradictory evidence or new experiences that should prompt a reassessment.

This clinging behavior can lead to a narrow view of reality and can hinder personal growth, flexibility, and the ability to cope with novel situations. The inability to adapt one’s constructs can limit an individual’s interactions and responses to their environment, contributing to ongoing psychological issues. This stance can manifest in various ways, such as holding onto negative self-perceptions or rigid beliefs about others, which can perpetuate maladaptive behaviors and unhealthy relationships. Thus, the tendency to cling to outdated constructs is a hallmark of psychological unhealthiness, reflecting a lack of adaptability that is crucial for emotional resilience and personal development.