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.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:LACETR/oai:collectionscanada.gc.ca:BVAU.2429/7509 |
| Date | 11 1900 |
| Creators | Mackay, Betty Nichol |
| Source Sets | Library and Archives Canada ETDs Repository / Centre d'archives des thèses électroniques de Bibliothèque et Archives Canada |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Electronic Thesis or Dissertation |
| Relation | UBC Retrospective Theses Digitization Project [http://www.library.ubc.ca/archives/retro_theses/] |
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