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

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to provide instructions on how to implement an adapted version of the standard repertory grid technique (VARGT). The purpose of which is to provide practitioners with a tool, which enables active engagement by participants in research and clinical practice. This tool has been used effectively with people convicted of stalking offences. Design/methodology/approach Repertory grids, developed from Kelly’s Personal Construct Theory (1955), had never been used with those who stalk, either clinically or in a research context. Visual and kinaesthetic adaptations were made to standard RGT procedures (Grice, 2002; Tan and Hunter, 2002), for use in a mixed methods research study (Wheatley, 2019, p. 77) due to expected challenges in engaging with this group. This manuscript presents theoretical underpinnings and step-by-step instructions for practical application. Findings The VARGT is easy to administer and produces rich data, in both qualitative and quantitative formats. This adapted approach encourages active participation and an interpreted therapeutic collaboration (Wheatley et al., 2020). Practical implications This novel technique has engaged men convicted of stalking offences collaboratively in research activities and showed potential for its use as a clinical tool. This instructional technical paper allows the technique to be replicated. Originality/value This novel technique has engaged men convicted of stalking offences collaboratively in research activities and showed potential for its use as a clinical tool. This instructional technical paper allows the technique to be replicated.

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

“…The elements rating stage of the VARGT is the most kinaesthetic and conceptually comparative aspect also see (Wheatley et al , 2020). Participants rated significant people in the context of their construct continuums (their personalised repertoire of personal values contextual to relationships and stalking) using visual and kinaesthetic aids.…”

“…This paper presents researcher–practitioner reflections on the use of a visually adapted repertory grid technique [VARGT: see Wheatley et al (2020) for replication detail]. The VARGT was developed and used within qualitative research in forensic psychology (Wheatley, 2019, p. 77, for original mixed methods research study).…”

“…In a research context, the VARGT was developed with visual and kinaesthetic adaptations to the application process of the standard technique. This was to enhance researcher–practitioner and participant collaboration, and furthermore to facilitate participant-led, self-analytic review and interpretation of their own resultant visible personal construct system [Wheatley et al (2020) for replication detail]. Using a collaboratively constructed visually accessible grid, participants are asked to rate significant people (elements) along with identified characteristics and values (constructs) using cards to be placed upon the grid.…”

The Application of the Repertory Grid in Forensic Practice

“…This was the first study to utilize the repertory grid technique in a research capacity with men convicted of stalking, a client group deemed difficult to engage with professionally (Rosenfeld, Fava, & Galietta, 2009). This study was also the first to pilot a Visually Adapted Repertory Grid Technique (VARGT; see Wheatley, Winder, & Kuss, 2020a) as a method to maximise engagement.…”

“…It also allows the participant to see the element placements and constructs altogether in a written (as opposed to numerical) format, making it easier for them to pick out patterns, reflections, and interpretations from their completed grid. It is task focussed, requiring movement, as opposed to more cognitively direct interviewing styles, and with its displayed transparency it is less threatening to those who may be distrustful of others (see Wheatley, Winder, & Kuss, 2020a for complete replicable instructions). The completed grid represented Andrew's personal construct system regarding his relationships, contextual to the elements, and to stalking.…”