„It’s like the king and his kingdom“: Mapping constellations via the Мodel of the Аgonistic Self methodology (MAS–M)

Abstract

Building on the Dialogical Self Theory (DST) and the Model of Agonistic Self (MAS), this paper introduces the Model of Agonistic Self Methodology (MAS-M). This methodological approach employs constellations as the interpretative framework for the qualitative analysis of data on the self-in-context. Constellations are defined as wider patterns of interactions between voices of the self-in-context, which follow specific and repetitive scenarios. In order to develop MAS-M, reflexive thematic analysis was performed on individual reports written after interviewing nine elementary school teachers. The data gathering procedure involved a two-stage interview process employing the previously developed Agonistic Self Interview (ASI), which was introduced into the standard MAS-M procedure. We identified six constellations, whose structure and dynamics we described at the formal level: the King and His Kingdom constellation, Crisis Intervention, Defense of Purpose, Value Conflict, Temporary Inclusion of Sidelined Perspectives, and Reflection. In this paper, we discuss the psychological function of each of the identified constellations, along with the possibility of their application as a practical, diagnostic, and research framework.