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

Published date25 March 2020
Date25 March 2020
Pages97-108
DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-09-2019-0041
AuthorRachael Wheatley,Daria J. Kuss
Subject MatterHealth & social care,Criminology & forensic psychology,Forensic practice,Sociology,Sociology of crime & law,Law enforcement/correctional,Public policy & environmental management,Policing,Criminal justice
Researcher-practitioner reections: the
therapeutic utility of the visually
adapted repertory grid technique
(VARGT) with stalkers
Rachael Wheatley and Daria J. Kuss
Abstract
Purpose This paper outlines researcherpractitioner reflections on the use of a visually adapted
repertory gridtechnique (VARGT) with men convicted of stalking.It draws on and assimilates participant
experiences of the VARGTas a research engagement tool. Further, it extendsdiscussion to propose its
value as a generic engagementtool for when personal insights and collaborative case formulations may
otherwisebe difficult to access.
Design/methodology/approach The repertory grid technique, developed from Kelly’s Personal
Construct Theory (1955), was adapted visually for utility in amixed methods research study with those
who commit stalking offences(Wheatley, in preparation). Analytical and reflexivityprocesses within this
original studyhighlighted rich and recurrent data acrossthe sample pertaining to the positive participant
experienceof the VARGT, unrelated to its core researchquestion.
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
motivationfor positive change.
Practical implications This paper suggests the VARGThas value in participantclient engagement,
particularly where sensitive topics are being investigated and participants have difficulty directly
articulatingtheir psychosocial functioning.
Originality/value This novel techniqueoffers potential as an engagement tool for use in research and
clinicalsettings.
Keywords Stalkers, Engagement, Stalking, Therapeutic alliance, Adapted repertory grids,
Engagement tool, Repertory grids, Stalking offenders
Paper type Viewpoint
Introduction
This paper presents researcherpractitioner 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). This originating study
blended the empathic methodologyof interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) with a
novel VARGT to investigate participants’ construed experiences of stalking others. During
IPA analytical coding within the originating study, the recurrence of participant assertions
regarding the VARGT’s therapeutic value became apparent. These were supported by the
researcher’s reflexivityjournal entries. These analytical codes were extracted as opposed to
simply being disregarded given their valued contribution to practice gaps regarding
engaging meaningfully with people who stalk. This practice-based paper presents
Rachael Wheatley is based
at Her Majesty’s Prison and
Probation Service,
Psychology Services
Midlands, London, UK.
Daria J. Kuss is based at
the School of Social
Sciences at Nottingham
Trent University,
Nottingham, UK.
Received 15 September 2019
Revised 29 October 2019
2 February 2020
Accepted 5 February 2020
Doctor of Psychology Research
funded by HMPPS.
DOI 10.1108/JFP-09-2019-0041 VOL. 22 NO. 2 2020, pp. 97-108, ©Emerald Publishing Limited, ISSN 2050-8794 jTHE JOURNAL OF FORENSIC PRACTICE jPAGE 97

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