The organization of construal networks and functional adaptation

Abstract

This review examined the association of construal network organizations with functional adaptation and psychological well-being. Recent neuropsychological research supports the presence of distinct construal networks in the brain that organize action at different levels of goals and tasks. Construal networks are sets of connected construals, or mental representations of objects, events, and behaviors. Little attention, however, has been given to how the organization of construal networks promotes functional adaptation. Cognitive processes, construal levels, personal meaning, cultures, and situations influence the configurations of construal networks. The reviewed evidence indicated that construal network organization facilitates functional adaptation and well-being, either though the coherence or fit of the assembled construals with each other or through the mediation of their fit with situations or contexts, like a culture. This review goes beyond previous studies by describing the constructive, creative, and hypothetical aspects of construal organizations and their effects on functional adaptation and psychological well-being.