What is meant by construal in social psychology?

Construal in social psychology refers to the process through which individuals perceive and interpret the social world around them. It encompasses how people make sense of social situations, events, and interactions, often affected by their beliefs, experiences, and cultural background. This subjective interpretation plays a crucial role in influencing thoughts, feelings, and behavior in social contexts.

For example, two people witnessing the same event may interpret it differently based on their personal experiences and biases, reflecting the varied ways in which construal operates. This highlights the fact that our understanding of social reality is not simply a reflection of objective circumstances but rather a complex interplay of perception and interpretation. Understanding construal is fundamental because it emphasizes that people do not always respond to the world as it is, but rather to how they think and feel about it, which can significantly affect social dynamics and outcomes.