Construction and constriction in agoraphobia.

Abstract

A formulation of agoraphobia is presented in personal construct theory terms. It is hypothesized that the construing of agoraphobics and their spouses is characterized by low cognitive awareness of constructs concerning interpersonal conflict and lack of tenderness; by dilemmas in which the ability to go out implies possible infidelity; and by low self-esteem in the agoraphobic and high self-esteem in their spouse. Evidence in support of these hypotheses is provided by a repertory grid study comparing agoraphobics, non-agoraphobic neurotics, spouses of both client groups, and normal subjects. Features of construing of agoraphobic and spouse are shown to be predictive of the agoraphobic's response to behaviour therapy, and therapeutic improvement to be associated with some reconstruction in the above areas. The role of mutual validation of constructions between agoraphobic and spouse in the maintenance of agoraphobic behaviour is discussed, as are implications for the treatment of agoraphobia.