What influence did the Great Depression have on Kelly's career choice?

The Great Depression had a significant influence on George Kelly's career choice, particularly in his focus on helping individuals cope with hardship. During this tumultuous period, many people experienced profound challenges, including economic instability and mental health struggles. Kelly's interest in understanding how individuals interpret their experiences emerged from the societal need for resilience and support during such difficult times.

His Personal Construct Theory emphasizes that people use their personal constructs, or mental frameworks, to make sense of their experiences, and this theory was likely shaped by the environment around him, where understanding individual coping mechanisms became crucial. Kelly's commitment to facilitating personal growth and helping people navigate their issues is deeply rooted in the context of the Great Depression, as he sought to develop strategies that people could employ to manage their difficulties and improve their psychological well-being. Thus, the correct answer highlights Kelly's drive to contribute positively to people's lives during a crisis, setting the stage for his later work in psychology.