Dispositionl assessment techniques in experiential personal construct psychotherapy

Abstract

Dispositional assessment involves utilizing assessment information to arrive at treatment options (dispositions) as opposed to traditional diagnoses. While Kelly's (1955) repertory grid can be used for such purposes, the grid also suffers from many inherent limitations (e.g., mathematical limitations inherent in inferring construct relatedness, higher degrees of structure than may be optimal in certain situations, and excessive time requirements in certain clinical situations). After elaborating on these limitations, this article presents four alternative assessment devices (the self-characterization sketch, pyramid procedures, laddering procedures, and interview methodologies). Each of these procedures is illustrated through an assessment of a severely disturbed client. The advantages and disadvantages of each procedure are discussed.