Rorschach Comprehensive System Research Articles

Persistence and Cessation of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Under Psychotherapy

Abstract: This study examines factors associated with recovery from nonsuicidal self-injury, comparing the characteristics of nonsuicidal self-injury behavior, clinical history, and psychological features of one group of patients who recovered from nonsuicidal self-injury within 12 months of psychotherapy and one group of patients who did not. Both groups received three components of treatment: feedback on psychological assessment results, psychoeducation on stress and emotional control, and acquisition of stress-coping skills. The Rorschach Comprehensive System was used for the measurement of participants’ psychological characteristics. Results indicated that the nonrecovery group ( N = 14) remembered significantly fewer self-harm episodes than the recovery group ( N = 16). The Rorschach showed differences in variables indicative of thinking and cognitive problems: PTI positivity and X-% were significantly higher in the nonrecovery group, while X+%, XA%, and WDA% were significantly lower in the nonrecovery group. Results suggest that the recovery group interrupted self-injury behaviors in a relatively short period by acquiring self-understanding and coping skills. Additional treatment for thinking, cognitive deficits, and dissociation may be necessary for the nonrecovery group.

Decision making and implicit suicidality in schizophrenia spectrum disorders

IntroductionResearch shows that mental illnesses increase suicidal risk. Studies have found that suicidal risk is associated with impaired decision-making.ObjectivesTo analyze decision making based on emotional learning in implicit suicidality.Methods56 male patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (F20) and denied presence of suicidal ideation were involved into the study (mean age 23±2.7),. Methods: Iowa gambling task (IGT) - integral indicators were used: the prevalence of “good” choices over “bad” ones, total score; and an indicator reflecting the ignorance of consequences of one’s choice - the subject remains on a “bad deck” after a loss. The Rorschach test (Rorschach Comprehensive system) was administered: Suicide Constellation «S-CON» and its components were used.ResultsAccording to the analysis, prevalence of “good” choices (IGT) negatively correlates with «S-CON» (Spearman’s correlation -0.328*, hereinafter significance level: ~ - p<0.1; * - p<0.05). A decrease in the total IGT score is associated with the following cognitive indicators: disregard for social conventions, non-conformism («P») (Spearman’s, 0.337*); a tendency to react defensively to a problem situation, blocking activity in terms of making decisions («R») (0.308*). Ignoring the consequences of one’s choice (IGT) correlates with such emotional factors as emotional incontinence, superficiality of emotions, emotional lability («FC:CF+C») (-.0382*), ambivalence of emotions («Blcol-shd») (statistical tendency, 0.277~), expressed dissatisfaction with the existing situation, internal tension and dysphoria («S») (0.291~).ConclusionsThe relationship of implicit suicidality with decision-making was found to be similar to the relationship of pronounced suicidality with decision-making. Suicidality is associated with impaired ability to make decisions based on emotional learning.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Teaching the Rorschach Comprehensive System

Abstract. The administration process of the Rorschach test is of utmost importance as it influences both the coding and the interpretative procedures. Performing it appropriately requires complex skills, knowledge, and solid training. The aim of the study is to describe students’ interests in and difficulties with administering the Rorschach (Comprehensive System) for the first time. A two-phase methodology, including an analysis of questionnaire responses followed by a study of students’ written narratives, using Iramuteq textual analysis software, was implemented with two different samples of third-year undergraduates (including 63 and 253 participants, respectively), recruited from a French psychology school. Our results show that students have a strong interest in understanding the test and wish to use it in their future practice. When administering the Rorschach for the first time, students find it difficult to cope with the complexity of the procedures at a technical, emotional, and relational level.

Comparison of the Results of 12-year Iranian Nonclinical Sample in the Combined Indicators of Rorschach Comprehensive System with the Results of Exner Sample

Comparison of the Results of 12-year Iranian Nonclinical Sample in the Combined Indicators of Rorschach Comprehensive System with the Results of Exner Sample

Clarifying Deeper Psychological Characteristics of Hikikomori Using the Rorschach Comprehensive System: A Pilot Case-Control Study.

Hikikomori, a form of severe social withdrawal more than 6 months, has increasingly become a crucial issue especially among adolescents. Loneliness, avoidant personality, Japanese culture-related attachment style (“amae”), and difficulty in expressing emotions are suggested to be related to hikikomori. However, deeper psychological aspects have not been well clarified. The Rorschach test is one of the most popular psychological assessment tools to evaluate deeper personality traits. The Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS) has been established as the most reliable scoring method. Until now, no CS research has been conducted focusing on hikikomori. Therefore, we herein conducted a pilot case–control study using CS in clinical cases with and without hikikomori condition. Participants were recruited from the Mood Disorder/Hikikomori Clinic at Kyushu University Hospital. Twenty-two patients with hikikomori (HK patients) and 18 patients without hikikomori (non-HK patients) participated in the present study. All the 40 participants conducted the self-report Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Personality Disorders (SCID-II) personality questionnaire and CS. Regarding the SCID-II personality questionnaire, various personality traits including passive aggressive trait were significantly higher in HK patients. Among CS variables, HK patients showed higher scores on FC (Form Color) and SumT (total number of texture-related responses). In addition, frequency of SumT was higher in HK patients. The present results suggest that persons with hikikomori are more likely to express emotions indirectly and expect others to presume their feelings and thoughts. Persons with hikikomori may also have difficulty in becoming independent emotionally from primitive dependence and attachment on significant others. Further investigations with larger samples are warranted for validation.

Validity of Space Responses

Abstract. Divorcing couples who require the intervention of the court system to resolve their child custody disputes usually exhibit intense anger and experience strong resentment. The Rorschach Inkblot Method (RIM) is one of the most commonly used tests in child custody evaluations, in which one crucial issue is affectivity and its regulation, and, specifically, negative emotions such as anger and resentment. White Space (S) is one of the Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS) variables usually taken into account to assess anger and resentment, but to date the construct validity of S responses for this purpose is far from established. Our study addresses this issue by exploring the association between S responses (coded on the basis of the following classifications: the CS, the Rorschach Performance Assessment System, and Rosso, Chiorri, and Denevi, 2015 ) and the motor, emotional, and cognitive components of aggression reported by clinicians in a sample of divorcing couples engaged in child custody litigation ( n = 85). Our findings support the hypothesis that Space fusion responses may be a marker of separation and emptiness anxiety, whereas no support is provided by this study for the hypothesis that Space reversal and Space integration responses are indicative of anger.

A Normative Study in England With the Rorschach Comprehensive System

Abstract. This study provides Rorschach data for 88 adults aged 18–65 years from the general population in England. The sample was matched as closely as possible with census data on the variables of gender, age, marital status, ethnicity, geographical location, occupation, and level of education. The Rorschach was administered according to the Comprehensive System by five experienced psychologists. Participants also completed a measure of psychological distress called the CORE. Interscorer reliability was found to be excellent for all variables apart from the six cognitive special scores, for which it was fair. Rorschach data are presented for Comprehensive System variables and compared with Exner’s (2007) sample of 450 nonpatient adults in the United States and with the international reference sample ( Meyer, Erdberg, & Shaffer, 2007 ).

Why We Need a Formal Systematic Approach to Validating Psychological Tests: The Case of the Rorschach Comprehensive System

ABSTRACTThis article documents and discusses the importance of using a formal systematic approach to validating psychological tests. To illustrate, results are presented from a systematic review of the validity findings cited in the Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS; Exner, 2003) test manual, originally conducted during the manuscript review process for Mihura, Meyer, Dumitrascu, and Bombel's (2013) CS meta-analyses. Our review documents (a) the degree to which the CS test manual reports validity findings for each test variable, (b) whether these findings are publicly accessible or unpublished studies coordinated by the test developer, and (c) the presence and nature of data discrepancies between the CS test manual and the cited source. Implications are discussed for the CS in particular, the Rorschach more generally, and psychological tests more broadly. Notably, a history of intensive scrutiny of the Rorschach has resulted in more stringent standards applied to it, even though its scales have more published and supportive construct validity meta-analyses than any other psychological test. Calls are made for (a) a mechanism to correct data errors in the scientific literature, (b) guidelines for test developers' key unpublished studies, and (c) systematic reviews and meta-analyses to become standard practice for all psychological tests.

The Italian Translation of Exner’s FQ Tables

Abstract. The article takes into consideration the four Italian translations (2003, 2007, 2016, 2017) of the Rorschach Comprehensive System Form Quality Tables ( Exner, 2001 ), with reference to the original English version, highlighting the urgency to verify a number of possible errors that – if proven – would be necessary to rectify. In light of these considerations, we underline the need for an Italian critical edition, as a step toward a shared standard for a scientific instrument that must insure uniformity of results among Comprehensive System users.

Diversidad cultural en las respuestas populares al Rorschach en una muestra de niños asháninkas y niños del Cusco rural

The popular response is one of the Rorschach Comprehensive System codes most sensitive to cultural impact. This study seeks to establish the popular responses provided by 108 children, ages from 6 to 11, 58 ashaninkas and 50 children from two rural areas in Cusco. The results show that there are three popular responses: the whole animal (D1, plate VIII, 54.63%), the butterfly (W, plate V, 44.44%) and the bat (W, plate V, 37.04%). At the same time, there are differences in the number and content of the popular response according to community, gender, age and the evaluator.

Associations between the Rorschach Ego Impairment Index and Measures on Intrapsychic and Interpersonal Functioning

The Rorschach Ego Impairment Index-2 (EII-2) has shown considerable validity as a measure of personality disturbance. However, few studies have been conducted on the associations between the EII-2 and measures related to ego strength and interpersonal capacities in mood and anxiety disorder patients. This study examined the strength of associations between the EII-2 and its subcomponents with measures of psychological suitability for psychotherapy, personality functioning, and interpersonal problems. A total of 315 outpatients with mood or anxiety disorders were assessed with the Rorschach Comprehensive System (RCS), comprising the EII-2, the Suitability for Psychotherapy Scale (SPS), the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-64), and the Quality of Object Relations Scale (QORS), as part of a pre-treatment evaluation. The relatively weak associations found in the study between the EII-2 and the other measures were mostly in the hypothesized direction and often modified by personality pathology. Of the EII-2 subcomponents, the Good Human Representation (GHR) variable was associated with the SPS. The subcomponent Critical Contents were associated with the IIP and the subcomponent WSum6 with the IIP and QORS. Further research is needed to clarify whether the EII-2 has incremental validity in predicting the treatment outcome and alliance in comparison to interview-based and self-report measures.

An Interpersonal Approach to Rorschach Interpretation

Abstract. In response to Kleiger’s (this issue) unique invitation to interpret a Rorschach case study from multiple psychoanalytic perspectives, I was asked to present a Rorschach interpretation from Sullivan’s interpersonal psychodynamic theory (IPT) perspective. In reviewing the literature, I found no theoretical papers specifically addressing IPT Rorschach interpretation. As such this article will be an initial attempt to integrate the Rorschach with IPT. I will present a brief overview of some of Sullivan’s most relevant IPT concepts, suggest where to find them on the Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS), and apply IPT Rorschach variables to the case of Ms. B. Special attention will be given to how the IPT model aids in the dynamic understanding of the Ms. B.’s internal experience and personality functioning; what formal features of the Rorschach lend themselves to key constructs in the model; and how the IPT model addresses the referral questions and adds to an understanding of treatment issues, including likely transference/countertransference themes.

Dimensions of the Rorschach Comprehensive System

Abstract. The objective of this study is to propose a preliminary comprehensive dimensional model of the Rorschach Comprehensive System (RCS). Three European adult nonpatient samples of the RCS were combined (Belgium, France, and Finland, N = 695). Principal component analysis was performed on primary scoring categories. Distribution issues were addressed by rank order transformation and the problem of R by partial correlations. The number of Components was determined through Parallel Analysis and resampling techniques (bootstrap and permutation). Twelve Components eigenvalues differed significantly from chance level (p < 0.0001). The obtained model provides a simplified representation of RCS data which accounts for 43% of the variance. This model brings new insights: Some variables traditionally considered as related belong to independent dimensions, and some others considered as independent appear related. These preliminary results set the stage for a new psychometrical approach of the RCS.

Distinctive Rorschach profiles of young adults with schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.

ObjectiveThe differential diagnosis of schizophrenia (SZ) versus autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be clinically challenging because accumulating evidence suggests both clinical and biological overlaps between them. The aim of this study was to compare Rorschach profiles between young adults with SZ and those with ASD.MethodsWe evaluated quantitative tendencies on the Rorschach test among 20 patients diagnosed with SZ and 20 diagnosed with ASD. Both groups were matched for age, sex, and intelligence quotient.ResultsWe found significant differences in six response variables on the Rorschach comprehensive system. Those with SZ had significantly higher scores on D score, adjusted D score (Adj D), developmental quality code reflecting ordinary response (DQo), and form quality minus (FQ −) than those with ASD. In contrast, those with SZ had significantly lower scores on the active and developmental quality code reflecting synthesized response (DQ+) subscales than those with ASD.ConclusionThe present findings reveal that individuals with SZ might have more stress tolerance, stronger perception distortions, and simpler and poorer recognition than those with ASD. We suggest that the Rorschach test might be a useful tool for differentiating between SZ and ASD.

From the “Imperfect Illness” to the Possibility of Developing Good Internal Objects

Abstract. This paper is about a psychoanalytic psychotherapy follow-up by the Rorschach Comprehensive System of Doralice, a 30-year-old, unemployed, single woman, with diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, recurrent, severe, with psychotic features (Axis-I); and Borderline Personality Disorder (Axis-II) in DSM IV. The Rorschach Comprehensive System was administered upon admission and also in five annual follow-ups. In this paper, the authors show the characteristics and the development of the dual therapeutic attachment that will be illustrated by the responses to the Rorschach cards II, III and VII, focusing mainly on the MOA scale on the four assessments. The authors will discuss the development of good internal objects over the years during the psychotherapeutic process with a turning point in the third year of treatment that is manifested in the Rorschach. The State of São Paulo Research Foundation, FAPESP, sponsored this study.

On Conducting Construct Validity Meta-Analyses for the Rorschach: A Reply to Tibon Czopp and Zeligman (2016)

ABSTRACTWe respond to Tibon Czopp and Zeligman's (2016) critique of our systematic reviews and meta-analyses of 65 Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS) variables published in Psychological Bulletin (2013). The authors endorsed our supportive findings but critiqued the same methodology when used for the 13 unsupported variables. Unfortunately, their commentary was based on significant misunderstandings of our meta-analytic method and results, such as thinking we used introspectively assessed criteria in classifying levels of support and reporting only a subset of our externally assessed criteria. We systematically address their arguments that our construct label and criterion variable choices were inaccurate and, therefore, meta-analytic validity for these 13 CS variables was artificially low. For example, the authors created new construct labels for these variables that they called “the customary CS interpretation,” but did not describe their methodology nor provide evidence that their labels would result in better validity than ours. They cite studies they believe we should have included; we explain how these studies did not fit our inclusion criteria and that including them would have actually reduced the relevant CS variables’ meta-analytic validity. Ultimately, criticisms alone cannot change meta-analytic support from negative to positive; Tibon Czopp and Zeligman would need to conduct their own construct validity meta-analyses.

Form Quality in Rorschach Comprehensive System and R-PAS: Sample of Psychiatric Cases

Abstract The creation of the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS) requires research that allows its use in the Brazilian population. The Formal Quality (FQ) category is essential both for clinic and research. The aim of this study was to compare form quality variables in Rorschach protocols from psychiatric patients and ratings coded in the Comprehensive System (CS) and R-PAS. The sample comprised 206 Rorschach protocols from adult patients in psychiatric treatment, who were also assessed by SCID-I and SCID-II. Most protocols were administered in the CS and recoded according to the R-PAS. The kappa coefficient was calculated, and we compared the means of these variables in both systems. The kappa results varied from almost perfect to substantial consistency for all variables, however, the descriptive statistics confirmed that the R-PAS elicits more FQ Ordinary coding while the CS elicits more FQ minus coding.

Job–Person Fit and Leader’s Performance: The Moderating Effect of the Rorschach Comprehensive System Variables

Personality assessment is a complex process and there is an ongoing need for studies and for an improvement in the selection methods employed. Most assessment processes and methods focus on simply describing the personality, but at least on the leadership level, the need is to understand and explain behavior. Therefore this study suggests that the Rorschach Comprehensive System (RCS) will predict the leader’s performance more accurately than when performance is predicted only with self-reported personality methods. Furthermore, this study suggests that the RCS variables moderate the relationship between the preferred personality and the actual personality congruence or job–person (JP) fit and the leader’s performance, when the JP fit personality is measured by the self-reported assessment tool. Pearson correlations and stepwise hierarchical multiple regression analyses (n=203) confirmed several hypotheses and the results support the view that performance-based assessment method explains the personality more than the self-assessment based personality dimensions and should therefore be part of the personnel assessment process.

The Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS) Psychometric Validity of Individual Variables

ABSTRACTSince the publication of the Rorschach Inkblot Method (Rorschach, 1921/1942), theorists, researchers, and practitioners have been debating the nature of the task, its conceptual foundation, and most important its psychometric properties. The validity of the Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS; Exner, 1974, 2003; Exner & Weiner, 1995) has been supported by several meta-analyses that used different types of nontest external criterion for validating individual variables. In a recent meta-analysis, Mihura, Meyer, Dumitrascu, and Bombel (2013) found coefficients ranging from modest to excellent for most of the selected CS variables, with 13 of them reported as showing “little to no support.” This article focuses on these variables. Although endorsing Mihura et al.'s mainly validating findings, we also suggest that the evidence presented for the little or no validity of these 13 variables is not quite compelling enough to warrant changing their definition or coding, or removing them from the system. We point to some issues concerning the description and interpretation of these variables and the appropriateness of the external criteria used for exploring their validity, and suggest considering these issues in further CS research. Implications of Mihura et al.'s meta-analysis for clinical and forensic practice are discussed.

Self-Esteem, Tenure, and Narcissistic Leader's Performance

<p>This study investigates the associations between the narcissistic leader and performance and the moderating effect of a leader’s tenure and self-esteem. The hypothesis were studied with Pearson correlations and stepwise hierarchical multiple regression analyses (n=203). The moderating effect of leader’s tenure on the relationship between narcissism and leader performance was confirmed. The narcissistic leader’s performance tends to be positively evaluated only because the leader has held the position for a very short period. Self-esteem exhibited a very strong correlation to leader performance. The results support the view that narcissism is a personality dimension, albeit one that is not necessarily pathological. The results of this study suggest it would be wise to add Rorschach Comprehensive System (RCS) to the tools available in the personnel assessment situation.</p>