Rorschach assessment of malevolence in sexually abused girls.

Clinical samples of sexually abused and nonabused girls were compared on COP/AG, a proposed Rorschach index of malevolence. Defined as the co-occurrence of COP and AG in a single response, this variable is introduced as a Rorschach analog of a measure of malevolence devised for use with narrative material. Sexually abused girls scored significantly higher on COP/AG than did nonabused girls (p < .01), with no group differences emerging for either COP or AG alone. These findings provide empirical support for the salience of malevolence in the interpersonal perceptions and expectancies of victims of childhood sexual abuse. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.