Researcher-practitioner reflections: the therapeutic utility of the visually adapted repertory grid technique (VARGT) with stalkers

Abstract

Purpose This paper outlines researcher–practitioner reflections on the use of a visually adapted repertory grid technique (VARGT) with men convicted of stalking. It draws on and assimilates participant experiences of the VARGT as a research engagement tool. Further, it extends discussion to propose its value as a generic engagement tool for when personal insights and collaborative case formulations may otherwise be difficult to access. Design/methodology/approach The repertory grid technique, developed from Kelly’s Personal Construct Theory (1955), was adapted visually for utility in a mixed methods research study with those who commit stalking offences (Wheatley, in preparation). Analytical and reflexivity processes within this original study highlighted rich and recurrent data across the sample pertaining to the positive participant experience of the VARGT, unrelated to its core research question. Findings This paper presents reflections and psychological discussion for experiences of using the VARGT. Key features clustered around therapeutic alliance and engagement, enlightenment and a motivation for positive change. Practical implications This paper suggests the VARGT has value in participant–client engagement, particularly where sensitive topics are being investigated and participants have difficulty directly articulating their psychosocial functioning. Originality/value This novel technique offers potential as an engagement tool for use in research and clinical settings.

Using a visually adapted repertory grid technique (VARGT) with people who stalk

“…Limitations and practical application potential of the VARGT are presented to encourage mindful replication. The VARGT has varying potential for clinician and researcher applications and provides a unique collaborative engagement tool (Wheatley et al , 2020).…”

“…The VARGT specifically intended to enable a collaborative exploration of participant experiences of their own stalking behaviours in context of their social world in a non-direct, non-judgemental and non-threatening manner. The use of the VARGT actualised these intended objectives, producing rich and valuable data for analysis (Wheatley, 2019, p. 77), in addition to producing unexpected therapeutic impact experiences (Wheatley et al , 2020). Given the established use of the RGT with a range of clinical and forensic populations, and the benefits seen from the originating study, it is posited that the VARGT would be applicable to most client groups.…”

The Application of the Repertory Grid in Forensic Practice

“…Andrew was then able to explore the characteristics and behaviors associated with the constructs on which he had aligned his selfpast and stalker, disclosing internal experiences as self-past (when stalking). These shifts in construing and levels of acceptance offer therapeutic potential for practitioner-client engagements using the VARGT (see Wheatley, Winder, & Kuss, 2020b). Indeed, selfidentifying problems in this way is deemed beneficial for rehabilitation (see Ware, Blagden, & Harper, 2018).…”

Introduction “stalking: what do we know about working with people who stalk and where do we go?”

“…Research exploring the experiences of men who have stalked, specifically how they construe their reality for stalking episodes, was undertaken by Wheatley (2019: also see Wheatley et al, 2020a). Seven in-depth interviews structured around the use of a novel Visually Adapted Repertory Grid technique (VARGT: see Wheatley et al, 2020b, Wheatley, 2020c were analysed. While the underpinning research in this Special Issue was conducted with an adult male only sample, it is acknowledged that females and young people also perpetrate such offences, although to a much smaller degree.…”