Construal Level Theory (CLT)

Construal level theory (CLT) is a concept that originated in social psychology that posits the more distance that exists between an object and an individual influences whether a person's thoughts regarding that object are abstract or concrete. CLT proposes that more distant objects (physically, temporally, psychologically, etc.) will be perceived in more abstract terms than an item that exists in close proximity. For instance, if you are thinking about taking a vacation in a year or so your thoughts will be be abstract: "Where?", "What to do when we get there?", "Hotel vs. house rental?", "Fly or drive?", etc. However, if you are going on vacation next week your thinking will be more concrete: "What motel will I be staying in?", "What are the good restaurants there?", "What are we doing on Tuesday?", etc.