Developing sociality in a post-conflict Northern Ireland: an application of the perceiver element grid

Barbour, P. J. and Bourne, D. J. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9008-1769 (2022) Developing sociality in a post-conflict Northern Ireland: an application of the perceiver element grid. Journal of Constructivist Psychology, 35 (3). pp. 953-977. ISSN 1521-0650 doi: 10.1080/10720537.2020.1808867

Abstract/Summary

Personal Construct Psychology (PCP) offers a powerful framework for understanding the conflict and dispute between two parties. The bulk of the literature on PCP conflict resolution addresses issues in the context of families and small groups. In this paper, we present the analysis of sociality in the context of a long-standing conflict in Northern IrelandFootnote1. We used the Perceiver Element Grid (PEG) to map the construing of representatives from the two main communities in Northern IrelandFootnote2. Following 30 years of violent conflict and a subsequent 20-year peace process, these communities remain diametrically opposed to each other. In this paper, we explore the potential of the PEG as a means by which to assess sociality among parties to the Northern Ireland conflict. In addition, we discuss how the PEG could serve as a useful tool in conflict resolution, particularly when interviewees are asked to construe from the position of an imagined future. We draw conclusions relating to how developing sociality could be used to help improve inter-community relationships.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/120462
Identification Number/DOI	10.1080/10720537.2020.1808867
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Henley Business School > Leadership, Organisations, Behaviour and Reputation
Publisher	Taylor & Francis
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item