Mirroring Activity in the Brain and Movement Determinant in the Rorschach Test

Human movement (M) responses to the Rorschach are related to cognitive sophistication, creativity, and empathy. Recent studies also link Ms to EEG-mu suppression, an index of mirroring activity in the brain. In this article, we further investigate the link between Ms and mu suppression by testing some clinical interpretative distinctions. Previously collected EEG data recorded during the administration of the Rorschach were reanalyzed. We hypothesized that (a) among several responses investigated, only M would be associated with mu suppression, and (b) Ms with active movement, ordinary form quality, or whole human figures would be most strongly associated with mu suppression. Hypothesis 1 was fully confirmed, thus supporting that the traditional interpretation of M has a neurobiological foundation. Hypothesis 2 was partially confirmed; that is, active Ms were associated with mu suppression more strongly than passive Ms (p < .05), but no other significant differences emerged. Clinical implications are discussed.     

Psychosomatic Illness and Projective Tests: The Rorschach Test

Abstract

Fingermann, Gregorio. Fundamentos de Psicotecnica. Buenos Aires: El Ateneo, 1954. Pp. 346.

Aliaga Lindo, Pedro. Estudio comparativo de la Prueba de Rorschach en 238 ninos de Huachac y Lima. Lima: Universidad Mayor de San Marcos, 1955. Pp. 188.     

Rorschach movement and color responses and MMPI social extraversion and thinking introversion personality types

Results of an analysis of MMPI profiles and Rorschach protocols scored by the Exner method for 100 psychiatric patients provided partial support for Rorschach's hypotheses that perceptions of color (FC, CF, and C) and movement (M) tap separate personality dimensions. First, the proportion of M responses on a protocol correlated significantly (p < .01) to thinking introversion as defined in terms of a subject's MMPI profile similarity to a prototypic MMPI profile with peak PtSc elevations. Second, the proportion of FC responses correlated negatively (p < .01) to social extraversion defined in terms of MMPI profile similarity to a prototypic MMPI profile with peak PdMa elevations. Hence, use of FC signified a socially reserved, controlled behavior. The findings regarding CF and C were inconclusive. Third, color and movement responses did not correlate significantly with somatization defined in terms of similarity to a prototypic MMPI profile with peak Hs, D, Hy elevations. Finally, the nonsignificant correlations of FC with M and with MMPI thinking introversion plus the nonsignificant correlation of M with color responses and MMPI social extroversion further supported the hypotheses that movement and color responses tap essentially unique personality dimensions.     

Interpersonal affect in Thematic Apperception Test responses: a scoring system

Affect toward "parental," "spousal," and "nonspousal" figures in TAT responses was evaluated. Positive and negative scores ranging from +2 to -2 were assigned to each story. Norms were based on frequent responses stimulus-pull and quality Of responses Test-retest rendered .88 similarity in affect and 86% in orientational others categories. Interscorer's agreements on affective scores ranged from .93 to .97 and interpersonal categories ranged from 96% to 98%. Higher positive "spousal" than "parental" and "nonspousal" affect was hypothesized to associate with marital adjustment. Thirty married Caucasian middle-class couples were individually interviewed. Cards 1, 2, 4, 6 GF, 10 13 FM and 16 as well as the Dyadic. Adjustment Scale were administered. Results, significant at .001 level, were discussed in terms of development in interpersonal choices.