The Application of the Repertory Grid in Forensic Practice

Journal article


Kitson-Boyce, R., Wheatley, R. and Blagden, N. 2020. The Application of the Repertory Grid in Forensic Practice. Journal of Constructivist Psychology. 35 (2), pp. 677-698. https://doi.org/10.1080/10720537.2020.1865222
AuthorsKitson-Boyce, R., Wheatley, R. and Blagden, N.
Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the utility of the repertory grid method with forensic populations. Three case studies are presented, each using an adapted variation of the repertory grid method with a different forensic clients: an individual maintaining their innocence, an individual convicted of sexual offenses, and an individual convicted of stalking. An analysis of the repertory grid findings is presented for each case study, including a Principal Component Analysis and a Self-Identity Plot. This analysis of subjective meaning and idiosyncratic belief systems proves invaluable ordinarily, but particularly when working with populations who present as suspicious and guarded in research or clinical settings. Relationship and offending-related psychological vulnerabilities are explored, with small psychological changes documented and the use of the repertory grid approach as a clinical tool is highlighted. The findings provide a significant contribution to the field of forensic practice, by demonstrating the utility of the repertory grid method when working with forensic populations. This may, in turn, contribute to researchers’ and practitioners’ consideration of its use within future forensic practice.

Keywordsgrid method; analysis; Principal Component Analysis; Self-Identity Plot; Psychological vulnerabilities
Year2020
JournalJournal of Constructivist Psychology
Journal citation35 (2), pp. 677-698
PublisherTaylor & Francis
ISSN1072-0537
1521-0650
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/10720537.2020.1865222
Web address (URL)https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/42028/
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10720537.2020.1865222
Output statusPublished
Publication dates27 Dec 2020
Publication process dates
Accepted13 Dec 2020
Deposited23 May 2023
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