Researcher-practitioner reflections: the therapeutic utility of the Visually Adapted Repertory Grid Technique (VARGT) with stalkers

Wheatley, R, Winder, B ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9118-679X and Kuss, D ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8917-782X, 2020. Researcher-practitioner reflections: the therapeutic utility of the Visually Adapted Repertory Grid Technique (VARGT) with stalkers. Journal of Forensic Practice. ISSN 2050-8794

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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.

Approach: The repertory grid technique, developed from Kelly’s Personal Construct Theory (1955), was adapted for use in a mixed methods research study undertaken with those who commit stalking offences (see Wheatley, 2019, p. 77). 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.

Practice implications: This paper suggests the VARGT has value in participant-client engagement, particularly where sensitive topics are 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.

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Journal of Forensic Practice
Creators:	Wheatley, R., Winder, B. and Kuss, D.
Publisher:	Emerald
Date:	25 March 2020
ISSN:	2050-8794
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1108/JFP-09-2019-0041 DOI 1287617 Other
Divisions:	Schools > School of Social Sciences
Record created by:	Linda Sullivan
Date Added:	06 Feb 2020 12:39
Last Modified:	08 Apr 2020 11:06
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/39180

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