Abstract
Personal construct theory (PCT) derives its name from its focus on how people construe: behavior, thought and emotional states are seen as mobilized by systems of connected anticipations, based on past experience, as people attempt to make sense of what they face in life. These systems are heavily permeated by individuals' unique ('personal') experiences. The 'theory' aspect points to its set of formally articulated and testable propositions concerned with the operation, organization, and evolution of the systems upon which construing depends. Construing PCT's unfamiliar perspectives and intentionally abstract language can at first seem difficult. With this in mind and the widespread availability of more conventional introductions, this chapter begins by outlining some key ideas with an account in the 'Gulliver's Travels' tradition before moving on to considering implications for undemanding psychological problems, offending and change. Some of these are sketched with reference, where appropriate, to congruent insights and findings from research outside of PCT. Along the way certain techniques for assessment and intervention (though often one merges into and informs the other) particularly associated with PCT are described. These include self-characterizations, repertory grids, laddering, Fixed Role Therapy and WOMBATs. Opportunities for training in PCT are touched upon. A detailed case study illustrating an application of repertory grid technique with a violent sex offender is presented. The chapter concludes with a brief overview of research on PCT's effectiveness in other contexts and some words on its potential for providing an integrative perspective on processes within more familiar approaches. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2018 APA, all rights reserved) (Source: chapter)Citation
Needs, A. & Jones, L. F. (2017). Personal construct psychotherapy. In: Davies, J. & Nagi, C. (eds.) Individual psychological therapies in forensic settings: Research and practice. Routledge, pp. 121-141.Type
Book chapterNote
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