Personal Construct Methodology E-Book

• Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 530

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2013

Beschreibung

Written by an international team of experts, this collection provides a comprehensive account of established and emerging methods of collecting and analysing data within the framework of personal construct theory. * Covers methods such as content analysis scales, repertory grid methodology, narrative assessments and drawings, the laddering and ABC techniques, and discusses how and why they are used * Explores both qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as methods used in clinical and counselling settings * Includes 13 contributions from leading international scholars

Leseprobe

Contents

Cover

Title Page

Copyright

Dedication

About the Editors

List of Contributors

Preface

Acknowledgments

Part I: Setting the Scene

Chapter 1: Assessment of Personal Constructs: Features and Functions of Constructivist Techniques

Personal Construct Systems: An Overview

Constructivist Assessments

Repertory Grid

Implication Grid

Laddering

Resistance to Change Grids

Self-Characterization

Comparison Among Personal Construct Assessments

Suggestions for Future Research

References

Chapter 2: Qualitative Methods in Personal Construct Research: A Set of Possible Criteria

Psychology has not Made Enough Use of Qualitative Research Methods

Decisions to Use Qualitative or Quantitative Methods Should be Grounded in the Epistemological and Ontological Assumptions Underlying the Research Questions

Personal Construct Research, Epistemologically and Ontologically, is Well-Suited to Qualitative Methods

Established Criteria of Rigor can be Applied to Qualitative Research Methods

Some Criticisms

Conclusions

References

Part II: Qualitative Approaches: Exploring Process

Chapter 3: The Use of Laddering: Techniques, Applications and Problems

What Is Laddering?

Development of Laddering as a Personal Construct Method

The Validity of Laddering

Wider Uses of Laddering

Problems and Solutions to Facilitating the Process of Laddering

Conclusion

References

Chapter 4: The ABC Model Revisited

Choice

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Symptom

Exploring Dilemmas and Conflicts

ABC Model

Case Example

Further Directions

Conclusion

References

Chapter 5: The Self-Characterization Technique: Uses, Analysis and Elaboration

What is a Self-Characterization?

Eliciting a Self-Characterization

Analyzing the Self-Characterization

Kelly's Approach to Analysis

Other Ways of Analyzing the Self-Characterization

Uses and Elaborations of the Self-Characterization

Elaborating by Using the Concept of Many Selves

Constructing a Grid from Multiple Self-Characterizations

Problems with the Self-Characterization

Conclusion

References

Chapter 6: Experience Cycle Methodology: A Method for Understanding the Construct Revision Pathway

The Experience Cycle

Principles that Guided the Development of the Experience Cycle Methodology

A Description of the Experience Cycle Methodology

Examples of the Experience Cycle Methodology: Adolescents Describe their Risk-Taking Experiences

Quantitative Relationships Between the Phases of the Experience Cycle

Future Directions for the Experience Cycle Methodology

Conclusion

References

Part III: Quantitative Approaches: Exploring Process

Chapter 7: An Introduction to Grid-based Methods

Preamble

What is a Repertory Grid?

Response Formats

A Consideration for Analysis

Conclusion

References

Chapter 8: Analyzing Grids: New and Traditional Approaches

Traditional Summary Indices

Traditional Representations of Grids

Singular Value Decomposition (Slater's Principal Component Analysis)

Cluster Analysis

Newer Indices

New Configuration Approaches

Conclusion

References

Appendix

Chapter 9: Computer-aided Constructivism

Introduction

What Constitutes a Constructivist Research Orientation In PCP?

The Logical Structure of Construct Networks

More Complex Templet Structures within Construct Networks

Anticipation, Experience, and Language

Conceptual Grid/Matrix Representation of a Construct Network

Conclusions

References

Chapter 10: Using Constructivist-oriented Content Analysis Scales

Constructing a Content Analysis Scale

Advantages of Using Content Analysis Scales

Sampling Verbal Communication

The Six Personal Construct Based Scales

A Review of Psychometric Properties

Criticisms of the Content Analysis Scale Methodology

A New Computerized Scoring System for Analyzing Content Analysis Scales

Conclusions

References

Part IV: Methods in Counseling and Clinical Settings

Chapter 11: Narrative Assessment in Psychotherapy: A Constructivist Approach

The Narrative Construction of Identity

Relational Constructivism and Self-Narratives

Selected Dimensions of Narrative Analysis in Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy as Narrative Reconstruction: A Case Example

References

Chapter 12: Using Contrasting Drawings or Pictures as an Assessment Tool within a Personal Construct Framework

Personal Construct Practitioners' Reports of the Use of Drawings and Other Images in Assessing and Helping Clients

Techniques Using Contrasting Images to Identify and Explore Bipolar Constructs

Using Drawings or Pictures in Developing a Transitive Diagnosis

Diagnostic Indicators in Analysing “A Drawing and Its Opposite” and Other Images

References

Chapter 13: Personal Construct Psychotherapy Techniques with Adolescents: An Integrated Model

Developmental Theory and Psychotherapy

Research on Adolescent Coping

Orienting the Therapist: Basic Aims of the Integrated Model

Personal Construct Psychotherapy for Adolescents: The Therapy Process

Methods

Summary

Appendix: Kelly's Experience Cycle, Creativity Cycle and Decision-Making Cycle

References

Index

This edition first published 2012

© 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Personal construct methodology/edited by Peter Caputi ... [et al.].

p. cm.

Includes index.

ISBN 978-0-470-77087-0 (hbk.) – ISBN 978-1-119-95416-3 (pbk.) – ISBN 978-1-119-97962-3

(ePDF) – ISBN 978-1-119-97961-6 (Wiley Online Library)

1. Personal construct theory. 2. Social sciences–Statistical methods. I. Caputi, Peter.

BF698.9.P47P47 2011

150.19'85–dc23

2011023531

This book is published in the following electronic formats: ePDFs 9781119953623;

ePub 9781119953326; eMobi 9781119953333

This book is dedicated to Antonio – for reminding us thatthe essential elements of life are to love, to be loved andto seize and live each day.

About the Editors

Peter Caputi is an Associate Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong. His contributions to measurement issues in Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) have received national and international recognition. This is evidenced by influential papers, as evidenced by citations in two major texts on PCP methodology and theory, and two edited volumes (one already published and one book forthcoming) in the area. Peter is an active reviewer for The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied, Journal of Constructivist Psychology, Personal Construct Theory and Practice, Personality and Individual Differences, Australian Journal of Psychology, Clinical Schizophrenia & Related Psychoses. He is also on the editorial board of the Journal of Constructivist Psychology and The Journal of Psychology: Interdisciplinary and Applied. Since 2000, he has published over 100 peer-reviewed conference papers, journal articles, and book chapters and is currently teaching several statistics based subjects at the University of Wollongong.

Linda L. Viney is a Professorial Fellow in the School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong. Linda pioneered the introduction of Personal Construct Psychology in Australia. She is a prolific author having published extensively in the Personal Construct Psychology literature and more generally in clinical, counselling and health psychology. Linda is a past editor of the Australian Psychologist and is currently of the editorial board of the Journal of Constructivist Psychology.

Beverly M. Walker is a well-known theorist and researcher in the area of Personal Construct Theory. Her particular focus has been on social relationships, and the kinds of processes involved. These include validation, and modes of dependency on others. With David Winter she published an overview of the approach for the Annual Review of Psychology. She has edited a volume of the Journal of Constructivist Psychology on nonverbal approaches to understanding of construing, with her own focus on the use of photographs.

Nadia Crittenden has been an active member of the Personal Construct Psychology Research Group, based in the School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong, for more than 20 years. During this time, she has taught in this area, conducted training workshops, presented and published research, and supervised higher research degrees using PCP research techniques. Dr Crittenden is currently a Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong.

List of Contributors

Chantel Ashkar

Postgraduate Student

School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

Elaine Atkinson

Clinical Psychologist

Subiaco, Western Australia, 6008, Australia

Richard C. Bell

Associate Professor

Department of Psychology, University of Melbourne, Victoria, 3010, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

Luis Botella

Professor

Department of Psychology, Ramon Llull University, Cister 24-34, 08022 Barcelona, Spain

e-mail: [email protected]

Peter Caputi

Associate Professor

School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

Nadia Crittenden

Senior Lecturer

School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

Heather Foster

University of Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

Anne Fraser

Clinical Psychologist

Kensington, Western Australia, 6151, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

Brian R. Gaines

Professor Emeritus

University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada

e-mail: [email protected]

Maria Gamiz

Clinical Psychologist

Department of Psychology, Ramon Llull University, Cister 24-34, 08022 Barcelona, Spain

e-mail: [email protected]

Heather G. Hardison

Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice

Collierville, Tennessee, 38017, USA

e-mail: [email protected]

Desley Hennessy

Postgraduate Student

School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

Sue Nagy

Adjunct Professor

Faculty of Nursing Midwifery and Health, University of Technology, Sydney, New South Wales, 2068, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

Robert A. Neimeyer

Professor

Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Tennessee, 38152-6400, USA

e-mail: [email protected]

Dr Lindsay Oades

Director

Australian Institute of Business Wellbeing

Sydney Business School

University of Wollongong

Mildred L. G. Shaw

Professor Emerita

University of Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4, Canada

e-mail: [email protected]

Miriam Stein

Clinical Psychologist

Uclinic, St Margarets

Surry Hills, NSW, 2010, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

Finn Tschudi

Professor (Emeritus)

Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Blindern, NO-0317, Norway

e-mail: [email protected]

Linda L. Viney

Professor

School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

Beverly M. Walker

Associate Professor

School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, New South Wales, 2522, Australia

e-mail: [email protected]

David Winter

Professor

School of Psychology, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, AL10 9AB, UK

e-mail: [email protected]

Preface

In 1955, George Kelly published two volumes titled The Psychology of Personal Constructs that would challenge theorists at that time. The work was innovative, challenging and liberating at a theoretical level. Kelly saw people as adventurers who are capable of experimenting with how they make sense of their lives (Walker & Winter, 2007). Within this framework people are not “locked into” one particular way of seeing the world. By realizing we have the freedom to experiment, we have the ability to explore alternative interpretations of events, people or situations in our world, and thereby increase our ability to anticipate those events, and how people might behave or react in certain situations.

Central to this radical and innovative theoretical position is the concept of construing. Kelly's additional contribution to the psychological literature was the development to methods for assessing construing. Kelly held the view that if you want to know something about someone then you should simply ask them – they may tell you! These methods are usually conversational, but structured in nature (Walker & Winter, 2007). Participants become active co-investigators, along with the administrator of the method, in an exploration of how participants experience, understand and interpret reality.

The most well known and widely used of Kelly's methods is the repertory grid. The repertory grid is used to explore the relationships between a series of elements (things we try to make sense of such as “a close friend”) and a set of constructs or dimensions that are used to make sense of elements. Grid-based techniques are not limited to only exploring the construct-element relationship. For instance, dependency grids are used to sort what resources a person might use in a variety of situations (Walker & Winter, 2007). Personal Construct Psychology also offers users a family of non-grid-based methods. Examples of non-grid-based methods includes Hinkle's (1955) laddering technique and Kelly's (1955/1991) self-characterization technique.

This book reviews and describes a number of well-known and new grid-based and non-grid-based methods. In addition, a number of chapters describe applications of these techniques in clinical and non-clinical areas. Chapters have been contributed by leading experts from North America, Britain, Europe and Australia which highlights the internationalization of research in Personal Construct Psychology. The book is divided into four sections. The contributions in Section I “set the scene” for the book. Heather Hardison and Robert Neimeyer's chapter presents an excellent overview of the properties of assessment methods in personal construct psychology. Subsequent chapters in this book complement and expand on the material presented in Chapter 1. In Chapter 2, Linda Viney and Sue Nagy present a set of guidelines for non-grid-based approaches.

Section II: Qualitative Approaches – Exploring Process includes four chapters describing non-grid based methods for exploring the process of construing. Beverly Walker and Nadia Crittenden describe and illustrate the technique of laddering in Chapter 3, a technique that “is seemingly simple in its description, complex in application, and can be powerful in impact” (Walker & Winter, 2007, p. 462). In Chapter 4, Finn Tschudi and David Winter present the ABC method. This technique is useful in understanding why people hesitate to change. Nadia Crittenden and Chantal Ashkar in Chapter 5 describe Kelly's (1955/1991) self-characterization technique which involves writing an autobiographical piece in the third person. In Chapter 6, Lindsay Oades and Linda Viney describe and illustrate a methodology for understanding the process of construct revision and re-construing.

Grid-based approaches have been used extensively in Personal Construct Psychology. Three chapters in Section III: Quantitative Approaches: Exploring Process introduce and illustrate these methods. Peter Caputi provides a brief introduction to grid based methods in Chapter 7. In Chapter 8, Peter Caputi, Richard Bell and Desley Hennessy discuss new and traditional representations of repertory grid data. In Chapter 9, Brian Gaines and Mildred Shaw build on the material in Chapter 8 in their discussion of computer-supported constructivism. Finally, Linda Viney and Peter Caputi expound on their work with content analysis scales developed within a personal construct framework.

Section IV consists of three chapters exploring the application of personal construct methods in counseling and clinical settings. In Chapter 11, Luis Botella and María Gámiz illustrate narrative assessment within a personal construct approach. Heather Foster and Linda Viney illustrate the use of drawings in personal construct assessment in their chapter. Finally, Miriam Stein and her colleagues demonstrate how constructivist methods can be used with adolescents in psychotherapy.

Acknowledgments

This book would not have been possible but for the generosity of the contributors. Their expertise is reflected in the quality of the chapter that make up this volume. We would like to thank Tim Broady for his work on this book. Finally, we would like to thank Karen Shield and Annie Rose from Wiley-Blackwell, for their patience, professionalism, and compassion. Karen and Annie have been integral to assisting us with preparing and bringing this book to completion.

Material in Chapter 10 was reprinted from Measurement and Evaluation in Counselling Research, 34, (2005), 115–126, © 2005 The American Counseling Association. Reprinted with permission. Permission was obtained for a slightly modified version of Fig. 1 from The preference axis – ambiguity and complexity in personal construing, Francis, M., Personal Construct Theory and Practice, 1, 104–7, © 2004. Reproduced by permission of Prof. Dr. Joern Scheer. Permission was obtained for a slightly modified version of a figure from Winter, D. and Gould, C. (2001). Construing the unthinkable. In J. M. Fisher and N. Cornelius (eds.), Challenging the Boundaries: PCP Perspectives for the New Millennium. Lostock Hall: ECPA Publications. Reproduced by permission of J.M. Fisher, EPCA Publications. Quotes from The Psychology of Personal Constructs, volumes 1 and 2, George Kelly, © 1955/1991, Norton and Routlegde were reproduced with permission. Reproduced by permission of Taylor & Francis Books, UK.

Part I

Setting the Scene

Chapter 1

Assessment of Personal Constructs: Features and Functions of Constructivist Techniques

Heather Gaines Hardison and Robert A. Neimeyer

The psychology of personal constructs is not so much a theory about man as it is a theory of man . . . It is part of a psychologist's protracted effort to catch the sense of man going about his business of being human, and what on earth it means to be a person . . . Our theme is the personal adventure of the men we are and live with – the efforts, the enterprises, the ontology of individuals so convinced there is something out there, really and truly, that they will not relent, no matter what befalls them, until they have seized it in their own hands.

(Kelly, 1963, p. 183)

These thoughts, first written nearly 60 years ago by George Kelly, have since led to various attempts by clinicians, including Kelly himself, to “catch the sense of man” through distinctive assessment tools for use in psychotherapy settings. This chapter will review several of these personal construct assessments and how they have evolved over the past five decades, with special emphasis on their distinctive advantages and limitations as assessment methods. We will begin with an overview of the fundamental principles of Kelly's theory of personal constructs to provide an explanation of the theoretical framework within which these assessments were created.

Personal Construct Systems: An Overview

The guiding assumption of George Kelly's (1955) personal construct theory (PCT) is that humans literally construct the meaning of their own lives, by devising, testing, and continuously revising personal theories that help us make sense of the world around us and anticipate our future experiences. These personal theories, called construct systems, are comprised of an indefinite number of personal constructs that help differentiate, integrate, and predict life events. Personal constructs may be highly idiosyncratic or widely shared, and may vary in terms of how central or important they are in construing one's life (Winter, 1992).

According to Kelly's (1955) view of constructive alternativism, there are countless possible constructions of reality. In other words, events are subject to as many alternative ways of construing them as we ourselves can invent. Thus, personal construct theory describes how each of us uniquely construes or interprets our own world. Constructs, and their interrelationships within a hierarchically organized system, form the basis for hypotheses that guide an individual's choices and actions (Winter, 1992).