What term does Kelly use to refer to roles that provide a sense of identity?

In Kelly's Personal Construct Theory, the term used to refer to roles that provide a sense of identity is "core roles." These core roles are fundamental to an individual's self-concept and play a crucial part in how they define themselves and relate to the world around them. Core roles are central aspects of identity, influencing how a person perceives themselves and interacts with others.

This concept emphasizes that certain roles, such as being a parent, teacher, or leader, are so integral to an individual's identity that they shape not only self-perception but also behavior and interpersonal relationships. These roles are typically stable, enduring over time, and central to an individual's constructs about themselves and their expectations about life.

In contrast, other options like primary, secondary, or subordinate roles may refer to various roles individuals can adopt, but they do not capture the essence of identity as effectively as core roles do. Thus, when considering the framework of Kelly’s theory, core roles highlight those identities that are pivotal to understanding personal meaning and self-conception.