Socioeconomic Status and the Diagnostic Significance of Healthy and Unhealthy Group Rorschach Content

Three hypotheses were put to test, using group Rorschach protocols and a content scoring approach: (a) when neutral content is disregarded, upper social class subjects (Ss) will report predominantly “healthy” group Rorschach content while lower social class Ss will report predominantly “unhealthy” content; (b) perceiving “unhealthy” content will prove an abnormal diagnostic indicant only among upper social class Ss; (c) these findings will hold across racial identity. Rorschach content data and independent measures of personality were obtained from five samples of adolescent Ss differing in race and social class. The experimental hypotheses were supported. A theoretical interpretation making use of social class values is presented to explain the findings.     

Personality Judgment at Zero Acquaintance: Agreement,Assumed Similarity,and Implicit Simplicity

Measures of frequency of dream recall for 47 Ss and of amount of dreaming for 18 Ss, as determined by the Dement-Kleitman method, were available as part of a larger investigation of the influence of personality factors on dream recall. Rorschach Test indices obtained from these Ss were intercorrelated among themselves and correlated with the appropriate dream variable in order to assess the presumed affinity of dream phenomena and Rorschach response processes. The results were: (1) indices of fantasy predominance correlated positively with both amount of dreaming and frequency of dream recall; (2) indices of associative productivity correlated positively with frequency of dream recall; (3) an index of introspective constriction correlated negatively with frequency of dream recall. Further exploration of this area seems promising.     

Rorschach Content Responses of East Indian Psychiatric Patients

The Rorschach protocols of 228 resident and outpatients of a psychiatric institute in India were examined for content differences on the basis of differential diagnosis. Ss were of both sexes, between 18 and 55 years and East Indian. Different categories of patients tended to select content of a specific nature. Only clinical impressions are reported but they are compared and contrasted with the existing literature on Rorschach content. They point up the long neglected significance of content variables for diagnosis and the study of personality.     

The Effect of a Direct Inquiry on Rorschach Scores

33 Ss were administered the Rorschach and had a traditional, nonleading inquiry. An equal number of Ss took the Rorschach and had a direct inquiry in which they were asked specifically whether or not a certain determinant had been relevant. The results indicated no significant difference in the numbers of determinants produced by the two groups. It was suggested that a standardized, direct inquiry would be of considerable value in administering and understanding the Rorschach.     

Multidimensional scaling of rorschach inkblots: Relationships with structured self-report

This study attempted a replication of previous multidimensional scaling (MDS) results concerning the most salient perceptual features of the Rorschach inkblots. A second purpose was the investigation of the relationships between individual S's relative reliance on these salient features, and personality characteristics as assessed by the Jackson Personality Inventory (JPI). The two-dimension solution obtained in previous research, involving inkblot color and twomess of form, was closely replicated. Only very low correlations between Ss' use of these dimensions, and personality characteristics as measured by the JPI, were obtained. The MDS-Rorschach approach may prove useful in delimiting peculiarities of attention and perception in clinical states. The usefulness of the approach in furthering study of personality constructs assessed through traditional Rorschach administration is currently in question.     

A Structural Validation of an Inventory Based on the Abridged Five Factor Circumplex Model (AB5C)

Nineteen upper-middle class, pre-marital, college couples volunteered to participate in a study on interpersonal relationships. Couples received a modified Rorschach, thematic test, Marriage Value Inventory, a sex questionnaire, and an intensive depth interview. A Q sort of 100 personality items was used to assess the Ss. It was hypothesized that couples would show smaller discrepancies than randomized pairs, except for items relating to dominance, dependency, nurturance, exhibitionism, masculinity and femininity, where the reverse was predicted. Results confirmed the homogamy prediction, but only the dependency need was significant of the complementary predictions. Perception scores and expressive behavior are seen as potential adjuncts to questionnaires and inventories in predicting marital choice.     

Projection,Play and Poetry

Ninety-two elderly Ss ranging in age from 57 to 92 were examined in an effort to find a battery of psychological tests which would effectively measure their level of intactness or deterioration of function. Five tests were used: the Rorschach, Gesell Incomplete Man Test, Bender Gestalt, Monroe's Visual Three, and the Color Tree Test. Ss were identified as normal adult, intact presenile, medium presenile and deteriorated on the basis of their Rorschach response. To check on the adequacy of this sorting, responses of each group were averaged for each of the other four tests. Differences between the several groups, on every test, were significant at the .001 level as measured by the median test.     

Some Personality Correlates of the Conjugate Lateral Eye-Movement Phenomenon

One can observe, in many Ss, relatively consistent, unidirectional, conjugate lateral eye movements (CLEM) occuring in relation to reflective thought. Some studies have suggested an affinity between CLEM catagories (Right Lookers, Left Lookers) and catagories in other personality typologies (e.g., William James). An attempt was made to test this notion and determine cognitive and perceptual correlates of CLEM, employing the Rorschach. Hypotheses predicted a diffuse, “tender-minded” cognition for Left Lookers and a focused “tough-mindedness” for Right Lookers. Results were marginal for all instruments with the exception that sample extremes differed in Form-level and organization.     

Development of Objective Scoring Methods for Longitudinal CAT Data

Previous research has suggested that content analysis of the Rorschach may be a useful tool in diagnosing homosexuality. The present study selected three groups of 15 Ss as: Heterosexual, sex-role disturbed, and homosexuals. A content analysis of the Rorschach protocols using Schafer's signs was performed. The results indicated that the signs were highly successful in differentiating the three groups. Implications for further research were discussed.     

Adjustment for the Total Number of Responses in Calculating the Rorschach Apperception Type

In order to adjust for total responses (R) on the Rorschach, apperception (location) scores arc expressed as percentages of R. An alternative procedure is recommended in which adjustments are the differences between obtained scores and those predicted from the regression of the scores on R. Standardization Ss were 200 male and female normals, ages 20 to 40. Percentages of these Ss falling within certain ranges of adjusted scores are given. Caution is recommended in making inferences about apperception types obtained by extrapolating beyond the range of R in the standardization group. Preliminary results obtained by applying these adjustments to disturbed adult and children's groups suggest that the distributions of adjusted scores tend to approximate the score distribution of the standardization group.     

Response Inhibition and the Rorschach ‘M’ Response

Previous research indicated that a relationship existed between production of the Rorschach M response and inhibition of motor activity. The present study investigated this relationship under conditions which approximated those involved in the normal process of impulse control. Volunteer college students were used as subjects. Ss who engaged in a response inhibition task subsequently produced significantly more M responses than did Ss who had engaged in a noninhibitory task. This supported the hypothesis that M is an indication of the tendency to deal with impulses through fantasy.     

An Approach to Use of Color on the Rorschach through Individual Color Preferences

More must be learned of color and its possible relationships with the Rorschach before its interpretation may be taken with assurance. Twenty Ss were administered the Rorschach and a Color Battery of four tasks chosen to tap color preference. Preferences were analyzed for use of the color on the Rorschach plates; color response scores and form-level scores; relationship with color meaning for the subject. Significances were found between: (1) preference and use of color; (2) preference and CF and C scores; (3) plus form-level and preferences. Color meanings varied with each subject. Color preference may influence the subject's use of color on the Rorschach, as well as scores, regardless of what the preferred color may be or the amount available. Generalizations are not warranted on the basis of color or color use, especially as regards differential diagnosis.     

Self-Images without Awareness and Projective Methods of Personality Assessment

Ss' responses to tachistoscopic exposures of self-photographs have been suggested as one approach to self-images without awareness. Sixty-three Ss completed a Q sort for themselves and after tachistoscopic exposure of their own and control photographs, for the persons in the photographs. Ss also completed the Structured-Objective Rorschach Test and Rotter Incomplete Sentences Blank. The self was sorted most favorably, the control tachistoscopic exposure significantly less favorably, and the self tachistoscopic exposure significantly less favorably than the control. These differences were found to be related to sex and adjustment measured with the Rotter. The SORT correlated insignificantly with Q sort and Rotter.     

Age as a Variable in the Connotative Perceptions of Some Animal Symbols

Using the Rorschach as one instrument in the selection of industrial- and business-personnel, the author become aware that in the testing-the-limits (tt1) phase individuals showed a strong tendency (and consistency) in either accepting or rejecting all suggested concepts. The popularity-level of the suggested concept appeared to operate at the best on a secondary level in influencing acceptance or rejection of the concepts.

Three studies described in the present paper conclusively support the existence of such a consistent tendency, at least among normal Ss of average or above-average intelligence.

This finding is interpreted as proof that the ttl measures a different dimension than the Rorschach-test proper.

The nature of the dimension is still questionable but indications are that it is a measure of a person's willingness (and ability) to look at problems, or situations, in a genuinely flexible manner upon demand from persons in authority.     

A Rorschach Comparison Between Best and Least Adjusted Girls in a Training School

Abstract

Editorial Note: The following article uses the traditional Rorschach scoring including Binder's shading categories. It affords a valuable opportunity to compare the efficiency of the different scoring systems. To enhance this opportunity the interpretations of the two cases following this article utilize every nuance in the refined scoring system and combine that procedure with the most careful response-by-response analysis, adding significant symbolic meanings of the content to the formal nuances of the scoring system. It may be emphasized that this procedure should not be confused with an unbridled misuse of Rorschach records for analytical interpretations without knowledge of or reference to the Rorschach method of personality diagnosis.     

Instinct,Heredity, and Social Tradition

Summary

The influence of physical attractiveness and warmth of a model on imitation and social perception in adults was assessed in this study with the use of 108 male and female college students. The Ss were randomly paired with a model who, depending on experimental conditions, was either a male or female, of high or low facial attractiveness, and who interacted with the S in a warm or cold manner. The Ss were then placed in a task situation which provided an opportunity to imitate the model, after which the Ss were asked to rate their experience and the model's personality. Warmth of the model was a more influential determinant of imitation, personality rating, and experience than physical attractiveness. However, the warmth affect was influenced by sex of the model and sex of the S. Possible explanations for the warmth effect were explored.     

Sort-Score Correlates of Schizophrenia

The Structured Objective Rorschach Test was administered to 61 schizophrenic patients in a psychiatric hospital. Ss scored within the average range on all but 2 of 27 attributes; these were the attributes Popular and Original. Popular and Original scores were inversely related and differentially related to W, Dd, and F-. When P and O were combined the score for the Conformity attribute was within the average range. A validity scale is discussed.     

Informant impressions of retardate personality: reliability with extraversion, emotionality, toughmindedness

To assess extraversion, emotionality and toughmindedness among retarded persons with limited linguistic skills the 18-item Personal Reactions and Habits Questionnaire (PRHQ) was created. The responses of 2 interviewed informants, each well acquainted with a target person, are summed to obtain scores for each of the personality factors identified by Eysenck and Eysenck (1975). To establish the reliability of this procedure 4 interviewers inquired of 35 informants about a total of 54 target Ss of a wide range of mental retardation and living variously in the natural home, a group home or in a large state-operated institution. One-week test-retest reliability coefficients, e.g. r=0.93 for Extraversion, r=0.86 for Emotionality and r=0.92 for Toughmindedness, suggest the PRHQ to be a promising instrument for research on personality of Ss unable to provide self-reports. The possible use of the PRHQ to assess concordance of self-reports with personality impressions of others is also discussed.     

Detection of Malingering of Psychiatric Disorder With the Personality Assessment Inventory: An Investigation of Criminal Defendants

582 Ss in 8 experiments viewed 1 of 9 films portraying models involved in achievement (Ach), affiliation (Aff), or neutral (Neu) activity. Ss who viewed Ach models after an interval of adaptation to the setting produced more TAT n Ach immediately after the film than other adapted Ss. Under other conditions, Ss who viewed Ach models produced significantly less n Ach than Ss who viewed non-Ach models. Results were ordered to a “subself” conception of personality organization and three theoretical propositions: (a) Models elicit fantasy thematically similar to their activity unless S is incompatibly preoccupied, (b) in which case models cause suppression of similar fantasy; but (c) in fantasy both elicitation and suppression are short-lived.