A Method for Measuring Conflict in Repertory Grid Data: A Review of Research

Abstract

This paper revisits a measure of intrapsychic conflict derived from repertory grid technique. The measure is compared with other such measures and findings from studies that have employed it are reviewed. These studies encompass the areas of alternative identities (in relation to immigration and radicalization); a variety of issues related to clinical problems (different selves in people with medically unexplained symptoms; levels of psychological distress; trauma; and change during psychological therapy); construing of others (in relation to love and ethnicity); and ethical dilemmas. It is concluded that these studies indicate the utility of the measure in research on intrapsychic conflict, and that their findings have implications for interventions in the contexts of identity change and psychotherapy.