Which of the following is least likely to be a characteristic of a permeable construct in Kelly's theory?

A permeable construct in Kelly's Personal Construct Theory is one that is open to new experiences and allows individuals to incorporate new information and perspectives into their understanding of the world. This adaptability is crucial for personal growth and learning.

Choosing a characteristic that restricts new experiences as least likely for a permeable construct makes sense because permeability is fundamentally about openness and the ability to adjust one's constructs based on new encounters. Constructs that facilitate adaptation, allow for change, and encourage flexibility are all attributes of permeability, reinforcing how such constructs enable individuals to modify their views and responses to align with their evolving experiences.

In contrast, a construct that restricts new experiences signifies inflexibility, suggesting a closed mindset that inhibits adaptation and growth. This characteristic aligns more closely with a rigid construct, which does not embrace the notion of permeability inherent in Kelly’s theory. Thus, recognizing that permeability signifies openness to change and adaptation clarifies why restricting experiences diverges from what defines a permeable construct.