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The Gestalt two-chair technique: how it relates to theory Mackay, Betty Nichol
Abstract
Using Q-Methodology, this study sought to find empirical support for the three stage model of the Gestalt two-chair technique and the theory underlying how and why it is effective, put forth by L. S. Greenberg (1979; 1983). A structured Q-Sort was constructed using the factors of Conflict Resolution (CR) and the Gestalt concept of Contact (C) in a 2X2 factorial design. Each factor was divided into two levels CR - Resolved/Unresolved, C - Interruption-of-contact/Contact. The factors of CR and C were expected to interact before and after successful and unsuccessful therapy for decision-making. Individuals who were Unresolved in their decision-making were expected to experience Interruption-of-contact while individuals who were Resolved from an integrated sense of self were expected to experience being in Contact. The 85 item sort was validated by experts in Gestalt theory and therapy as representing the three stage model and the theory underlying it. Eight subjects, ambivalent about remaining in their marriages, performed the Q-Sort before and after 6 sessions of therapy using the two-chair technique. Moderate support was found for the 3 stages of the model, Opposition, Merging and Integration. Some support was found for the interaction of the factors of CR and C. Significant 2-way interaction was found for 1 subject before and after therapy considered successful according to the model. Significant 2-way interactions were found after successful therapy for four subjects but not before. Significant 2-way interactions were not found for subjects after unsuccessful therapy. When therapy was successful the factors of CR and C interacted as predicted. When therapy was not successful the factors of CR and C did not interact as predicted. The factors of CR and C did not interact for individuals who were experiencing a great deal of interruption-of-contact, indicating there is a possible pre-stage to the model where CR and C are independent of each other or where other factors may be involved. This study expanded the research on the Gestalt two-chair technique in several ways. It found some empirical support for the model and the theory underlying it. It found areas were CR and C do not interact as predicted by theory. It extended the range of application of research on two-chair technique from career decision-making to divorce decision-making.
Item Metadata
Title |
The Gestalt two-chair technique: how it relates to theory
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Creator | |
Publisher |
University of British Columbia
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Date Issued |
1995
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Description |
Using Q-Methodology, this study sought to find empirical support
for the three stage model of the Gestalt two-chair technique and the
theory underlying how and why it is effective, put forth by L. S.
Greenberg (1979; 1983). A structured Q-Sort was constructed using
the factors of Conflict Resolution (CR) and the Gestalt concept of
Contact (C) in a 2X2 factorial design. Each factor was divided into two
levels CR - Resolved/Unresolved, C - Interruption-of-contact/Contact.
The factors of CR and C were expected to interact before and after
successful and unsuccessful therapy for decision-making. Individuals
who were Unresolved in their decision-making were expected to
experience Interruption-of-contact while individuals who were
Resolved from an integrated sense of self were expected to experience
being in Contact. The 85 item sort was validated by experts in Gestalt
theory and therapy as representing the three stage model and the
theory underlying it. Eight subjects, ambivalent about remaining in
their marriages, performed the Q-Sort before and after 6 sessions of
therapy using the two-chair technique.
Moderate support was found for the 3 stages of the model,
Opposition, Merging and Integration. Some support was found for the
interaction of the factors of CR and C. Significant 2-way interaction
was found for 1 subject before and after therapy considered successful
according to the model. Significant 2-way interactions were found
after successful therapy for four subjects but not before. Significant
2-way interactions were not found for subjects after unsuccessful
therapy. When therapy was successful the factors of CR and C
interacted as predicted. When therapy was not successful the factors of CR and C did not interact as predicted. The factors of CR and C did
not interact for individuals who were experiencing a great deal of
interruption-of-contact, indicating there is a possible pre-stage to the
model where CR and C are independent of each other or where other
factors may be involved. This study expanded the research on the
Gestalt two-chair technique in several ways. It found some empirical
support for the model and the theory underlying it. It found areas
were CR and C do not interact as predicted by theory. It extended the
range of application of research on two-chair technique from career
decision-making to divorce decision-making.
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Extent |
5595251 bytes
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Genre | |
Type | |
File Format |
application/pdf
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Language |
eng
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Date Available |
2009-04-23
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Provider |
Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library
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Rights |
For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.
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DOI |
10.14288/1.0053980
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URI | |
Degree | |
Program | |
Affiliation | |
Degree Grantor |
University of British Columbia
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Graduation Date |
1995-11
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Campus | |
Scholarly Level |
Graduate
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Aggregated Source Repository |
DSpace
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Item Media
Item Citations and Data
Rights
For non-commercial purposes only, such as research, private study and education. Additional conditions apply, see Terms of Use https://open.library.ubc.ca/terms_of_use.