George Kelly: A Brief Introduction
Abstract
George Kelly’s work in psychology is a major force in multiple disciplines. Kelly’s work remains a requirement in most clinical programs approved by the British Psychological Association. His work is again growing in the United States, especially in the areas of industrial-organizational psychology, friendship formation, developmental psychology, perception, political science, environmental psychology, depression and suicide, obsessive-compulsive disorders, substance abuse, childhood disorders, fear of death and physical illness, couples in conflict and other relationship disorders. Kelly’s philosophical approach of constructive alternativism: the assumption that any one event is open to a variety of interpretations closely resembles the words of the philosopher Epictetus. Kelly’s call for us to be scientists and help create our own solutions to life’s challenges is refreshing.
George Kelly: A brief introduction
Although George Kelly’s impact on psychology might not be as profound as Freud’s, “The stature and distinguished contributions of Sigmund Freud place him at the forefront of contemporary personality theorists…. He discovered psychological processes such as repression, resistance, transference, and infantile sexuality, many of which are still focused on today.” (Engler, 2006, p.29); Kelly’s work, “…became a major force within clinical psychology in the postwar years….” (Hergenhahn, 2005, p.535) Kelly’s work, “…remains a requirement in most clinical programs approved by the British Psychological Association…” (Hergenhahn, 2005, p.535), and
…Kelly’s theory is again growing in the United States, especially in the area of industrial-organizational psychology.…Other areas…to include friendship formation, developmental psychology, perception, political science, …environmental psychology….depression and suicide…obsessive-compulsive...
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