What are "preverbal constructs" in Kelly's theory?

Preverbal constructs in Kelly's Personal Construct Theory refer to those constructs that are formed before individuals have developed the ability to use language to articulate their thoughts and understandings. This means they arise from early experiences and perceptions while a person is still an infant or young child. These constructs shape how individuals interpret their experiences and interactions with the world even though they cannot yet express these constructs verbally.

The significance of preverbal constructs lies in the foundational role they play in shaping one's worldview and influencing behavior. They are the building blocks for later constructs that can be expressed through language. Such early constructs can impact personality and cognitive development, guiding later learning and interpretations, often remaining influential even after the ability to articulate thoughts emerges.

This understanding of preverbal constructs emphasizes the importance of early experiences in developing personal constructs and how they can persist throughout an individual's life as unarticulated but influential frameworks for understanding experiences.