Use of repertory grid techniques in working with people with teaming disabilities

Personal construct psychology has had very little impact on work with people with learning disabilities to date, despite the recognition of its potential. In this paper research and casework to date are reviewed and a case report presented that demonstrates its use with a person with learning disabilities. A formal repertory grid technique method, as developed within Personal Construct Psychology, was employed to aid analysis of the interpersonal tensions within a small community home for people with learning disabilities. This approach was found to be useful in providing new insights into an otherwise intractable situation. From this work and the studies reviewed, recommendations for the application of personal construct approaches with people with learning disabilities are made.