The use of a repertory grid as an aid to assessment and formulation in a sex offender with a learning disability

Abstract

Whereas a number of standardised psychological measures exist for the assessment of sex offenders (eg Beckett, 1994), very few such measures are appropriate for use with those with learning disabilities. Measures often use complicated language and concepts, fail to include people with learning disabilities in their standardisation samples and use notions of sex and sexuality that, in many cases, are of little relevance to the lives of people with learning disabilities. In order to help in the psychological formulation of Paul (a sex offender with learning disabilities), a Kelly Repertory Grid (Kelly, 1955) was used. The analysis of the grid provided important information about Paul's sense of self, his attitude towards women and his attitude towards relationships in general. This allowed for a systematic approach to assessment and formulation that might not otherwise have been available. It is proposed as a novel starting point in the process of assessment and formulation in this client group, which fits in well with existing cognitive‐behavioural (CBT) approaches to treatment.

Citation

Mason, J. (2003), "The use of a repertory grid as an aid to assessment and formulation in a sex offender with a learning disability", The British Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 5 No. 3, pp. 13-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/14636646200300016