What does personal construct theory assert about behavior?

Personal construct theory, developed by George Kelly, emphasizes that individuals interpret their experiences through a set of personal constructs, which are mental frameworks that shape how they predict future events. According to this theory, behavior is not simply a response to past events but is fundamentally influenced by how an individual anticipates and interprets future circumstances.

The assertion that behavior is guided by anticipation of events highlights the proactive nature of our decision-making processes. People use their constructs to make predictions and assess choices based on expectations about how the world will unfold, rather than merely reacting to what has already happened. This forward-looking perspective is a core element of personal construct theory, illustrating how individuals actively engage with their environments through their predictions and interpretations, which ultimately guide their behaviors.

This understanding aligns with the view that individuals are not just passive recipients of experiences but are active participants in shaping their actions based on their expectations for the future.