Recent Rorschach Literature Rorschach Bibliography No. IV

Abstract

This is a supplement to the Rorschach bibliographies published by Dr. P. E. Vernon; the last of these was published in the January 1937 issue of the Rorachach Research Exchange. All available articles which are not contained in Dr. Vernon's bibliography are included. Those articles which have appeared in the Rorschach Research Exchange but which have not appeared elsewhere are omitted.     

Rorschach Stimulus Modification

The major Rorschach stimulus dimensions were varied by E. E. Baughman in a 1954 study leading to the conclusion that only form affects responses. In 1958 his review of the literature in this area led to the same conclusion. The next year he reversed his position on the basis of the most definitive study of Rorschach stimulus modification yet published. However, close examination of the 1954 study demonstates that, contrary to Baughman's original conclusion, it, too, supports the effect of stimulus characteristics.     

Koffka's Rorschach Experiment

A factor analysis of responses to a temporal experience questionnaire from 110 Ss, and related intensive personality assessment research with 17 of them, extracted four bipolar temporal experience factors and investigated their personality correlates. An Immediate Time Pressure factor (harassed lack of control vs. relaxed mastery and adaptive flexibility) was correlated with high emotionality and nervous tension, imaginative fantasy and self-absorption, and sensitivity. A Long-Term Personal Direction factor (continuity and steady purpose vs. discontinuity and lack of direction) correlated with happiness and elated mood levels, and self-esteem and identity. A Time Utilization factor (efficient scheduling vs. procrastination and inefficiency) correlated with precision and orderliness, and confidence and initiative. A Personal Inconsistency factor (inconsistency and changeability vs. consistency and dependability) correlated with affective lability and low repression, and impulsiveness.     

Rorschach Empathy-Object Relationship Scale

In this study a Rorschach scale was constructed to assess “empathy” and the capacity for “object relationships.” It was hypothesized that this instrument would differentiate between two comparable groups of vocationally handicappedemotionally disturbed persons, one of which received vocational group therapy, while the other group served as a control. It was also hypothesized that this scale would demonstrate an adequate degree of reliability (internal consistency), and clinical validity.

The results of the RE-OR Scale, on the basis of the initial and final testings, were compared for the two groups. For the first testing there were no significant differences between groups. Final test differences were statistically significant and favored the therapy group. Hypothesis one was thus supported.

The reliability of the scale was found to be acceptable for both the initial and final testing. The hypotheses concerning validity were only partially supported. On the basis of the employment criterion, there were no significant differences between the two groups. Independent measures of work adjustment were however significantly correlated with the RE-OR Scale. Likewise, the group therapy measure and the RE-OR Scale were significantly correlated. Additional support was furnished when the two research groups were compared to a normal group.     

Scoring the Rorschach: a constructive critique of Exner's Comprehensive Rorschach System

John Exner's rationale for scoring the Rorschach and his decision to score "blend" responses by assigning equal weights are critically reviewed. The resultant exclusion of new responses made during the Inquiry of the Free Association responses is viewed as a major deficiency in the Comprehensive Rorschach System. A change to Klopfer's "Main-Additional" scoring method is recommended as a corrective.     

Perception and the Rorschach

In this study we investigated the reliability and validity of the Rorschach Schizophrenia Index (SCZI) from Exner's (1978, 1993) Comprehensive System for a sample of 413 child psychiatric inpatients by examining relationships with the Personality Inventory for Children-Revised (PIC-R) and chart diagnoses. Interscorer reliability and internal consistency were acceptable. Multivariate analyses of variance results revealed significantly different PIC-R profiles for those with and without elevated SCZI scores, with significant differences emerging on the PIC-R Psychosis (PSY) scale and 2 cognitive triad scales (Intellectual Screening and Development), which have been reported to be more frequently elevated in PIC-R profiles of children with psychotic disorders. Significant differences were found across SCZI groups for the PSY scale, Reality Distortion scale, reality testing critical items and chart diagnoses of psychotic disorder. Implications for clinical interpretation of the SCZI with children and issues for further research with this population are discussed.