The Self-Confrontation Method
- Self-investigation instrument deviced for the assessment and further development of the valuation system
- Based on valuation theory and the dialogical self
- Both an assessment and intervention method in which the client takes the position of self-investigator and as co-investigator of the psychologist
- Consists of two parts:
(a) assessment part in which the content and organization of the valuation system is investigated
(b) action part in which the content and organization of the valuation system is changed (also called the "validation process")
- Represents a cycle of self-reflection and action: at the end of each investigation phase a story theme underlying a variety of valuations is formulated and, based on this theme, plans are made for the change and further development of the valuation system. These plans and the following actions are evaluated at the second self-investigation which follows typically after a few months. In this way the method realizes a gradual transition between assessment and change.
- It is possible to tell different self-narratives from different or even opposed positions and concomitantly construct different valuation systems. (For the term "position" or "I-position" see the article Voicing the Self: From Information Processing to Dialogical Interchange)
- The method is based on a cooperation between psychologist and client. Working together psychologist and client sit side by side
- The method is based on the scientist-practitioner cooperation. It is used both for scientific investigation and for professional use in practical settings (personnel management, career counseling, education, counseling, and psychotherapy). For the combination of scientific and professional use see Research Program
For a detailed exposition of the self-confrontation method on the level of theory, method, and practice see the book Self-Narratives: The Construction of Meaning in Psychotherapy
For quick reading see the article Self as an Organized System of Valuations: Toward a Dialogue with the Person
For an example of the narrative nature of the method see the article Self-Narrative and Collective Myth: An Analysis of the Narcissus Story
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