Personal constructs theory by Gorge Kelly states that human emotions are affected by an individual’s mood, actions, behaviors, and feelings. Individuals develop personal constructs on how they view the world. Kelly developed four elements in most human disturbances, such as fear, threats, anxiety, and guilt, which play a significant role in the organization of the construct system (Winter & Reed, 2016). Gorge believed that perceptions of reality by individuals’ are related to how they analyze, interpret and think of certain events and situations.
The threat is an individual awareness of a forthcoming massive change in the core structures of the individual. It is the perception that the basic constructs of an individual are shaped in the sense that threat is induced whenever there is the perception of possible alternatives in individuals core constructs. There are comprehensive changes in one’s core constructs during an identity crisis, especially when an individual is conceptually shaken (Winter & Reed, 2016). Fear is concerned with peoples’ inner self whereby changes in individuals are incidental compared to restructuring and comprehensive changes in individuals constructs.
Anxiety is developed when a person’s construction system does not apply to the situation that confronts an individual anymore. It is also developed when individuals find themselves in a new position. The development of appropriate construction increases individual applicability in different situations (Butt & Warren, 2016). Whenever an individual construction does not suggest an individual’s appropriate behavior, then anxiety is increased, and an individual is prone to engaging in unhealthy behaviors.
Guilt refers to the feeling that an individual has when an individual loses their core constructs. This happens as a result of the invalidation of their core constructs. It is the feeling that people develop when they find out that they are not the kind of people they thought they were (Butt & Warren, 2016). Individuals strive to describe and predict certain behaviors, situations, and events, giving them a sense of identity and self-worth.
Comparison
There are several comparisons between these constructions and the scriptures. Threats have been mentioned in Gorge Kelly’s theory of personal construction as well as in the Bible. In the book of Isaiah 54:17, it states that no harm is directed to any individual, and individuals should confute tongues that raise judgment against people (BibleHub, 2016). This is the heritage of the servant of the Lord.
In the personal construct, fear has been mentioned to be concerned with an individual’s inner feelings. In the Bible, fear has been mentioned in different verses. In the book of Deuteronomy 31:8, it states that the Lord is not going to forsake us, and we should not be afraid either be discouraged (BibleHub, 2014). In the book of Roman 8:28, it says that God’s work is directed for the good of His people who love him (BibleHub, 2016). Therefore, we should not fear anything since God is on our side.
Anxiety, in Kelly’s theory, anxiety develops when personal constructs do not apply to the situations. The book of Philippians 4:6-7 encourages people not to be anxious about anything since humans should present everything, including prayers and thanksgiving to God (Polischuk & Kang, 2020). In the book of Peter 5:7, it argues that humans should cast their anxieties in God since God cares for them all and God has good plans (BibleHub, 2015). Hence, humans should not be anxious about anything in this world.
According to Kelly’s theory, guilt is developed when an individual loses their core constructs. The book of John 1:9 urges us to confess our sins since God is just and faithful to cleanse and forgive our sins (BibleHub, 2015). James 4:7 says that humans need to submit themselves to God, and humans should resist the devil, and the devils will leave them (BibleHub, 2016). Humans should, therefore, seek refuge from God, and their sins will be forgiven.
References
BibleHub Editors (n.d.). (2015).John 1:9. Web.
BibleHub Editors (n.d.). (2016) James 4:7. Web.
BibleHub Editors (n.d.). (2014).Deuteronomy 31:8. Web.
BibleHub Editors (n.d.). (2015). Peter 5:7. Web.
BibleHub Editors (n.d.). (2016). Roman 8:28. Web.
BibleHub Editors (n.d.).(2016). Isaiah 54:17. Web.
Butt, T., & Warren, B. (2016). Personal construct theory and philosophy. The Wiley Handbook of Personal Construct Psychology, 9-23. Web.
Polischuk, P., & Kang, H. M. S. (2020). From Text to Therapy: Dealing with Anxiety Conceptual Integration Based on Philippians 4: 5–9. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 48(4), 292-307. Web.
Winter, D. A., & Reed, N. (Eds.). (2016). The Wiley handbook of personal construct psychology (3rd ed). John Wiley & Sons.