White space interpretation in Hermann Rorschach’s inkblot test

Anna Hunca-Bednarska

doi:10.2478/cpp-2020-0021

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The interpretation of white space in the Rorschach test has not been clearly defined. The aim of my research was to analyze the psychological meanings that can be associated with using space in Rorschach test responses. I examined a sample of healthy individuals in order to establish the basic meanings that could serve as points of reference when interpreting ill people’s responses. Material and method: I personally examined 158 healthy subjects with the Rorschach test. The examination procedure and the way of coding and interpreting responses were based on John Exner’s Comprehensive System. I divided the sample into three groups: I (no S responses), II (one or two S responses), and I II (three or more S responses). Next, I distinguished subgroup V (four or more S responses). I analyzed the differences between the groups in terms of other variables obtained in the examination using the Rorschach test. These variables were associated with using the complexity of the presented stimuli and with organizing the stimulus field; they were also associated with the emotional sphere, social adjustment, and ways of coping with stress. Results: Group III differed from groups II and I in terms of nine variables, and differences regarding further four variables approached significance. Differences between group V and the remaining examinees were more marked and concerned 14 variables. Discussion: Examinees with more S responses were better at using the complexity of stimuli and organizing the stimulus field. A certain characteristic feature of their emotional sphere also manifested itself: these people experienced situational stress more strongly, colored their responses with aggression, and more frequently experienced loneliness and alienation; intellectualization turned out to be their typical defense mechanism. Conclusions: Based on the collected material, it can be concluded that responses are related to examinees’ creative potential. Collected from healthy individuals, the material may facilitate the interpretation of ill people’s responses, especially as such research has not been conducted in a Polish population before.

Highlights

The interpretation of white space in the Rorschach test has not been clearly defined
While Exner stresses, above all, the increased level of aggression that accompanies the attitude of opposition, regardless of whether this aggression is expressed outwardly or suppressed and kept within the psyche [1], Piotrowski [2] expands the psychological meaning of white space responses, claiming that they may be linked to low mood, neurotic characteristics, and the need to defend one’s autonomy, sometimes desperately
Table 1. presents data concerning the comparison of three groups: with no S response (I), with one or two S responses (II), and with three or more S responses (III)

Summary

Introduction

The interpretation of white space in the Rorschach test has not been clearly defined. I analyzed the differences between the groups in terms of other variables obtained in the examination using the Rorschach test These variables were associated with using the complexity of the presented stimuli and with organizing the stimulus field; they were associated with the emotional sphere, social adjustment, and ways of coping with stress. The instruction for the Rorschach test recommends that, when presenting the first card, the examiner should ask: What might this be?, and because it is the inkblot that serves as a stimulus, the question implies that what should be interpreted is the inkblot, not the white background against which it is situated On this basis, psychologists conclude that spontaneously engaging in the interpretation of the white background is a manifestation of opposition, negativism, and defiance. These views are widely accepted at present, which does not mean that they are not subject to debate and verification

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