THE RORSCHACH TEST IN CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS AND CROSS-CULTURAL RESEARCH

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THE RORSCHACH TEST IN CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS AND CROSS-CULTURAL RESEARCH

Journal Title: Psychiatria i Psychoterapia - Year 2012, Vol 8, Issue 1

Abstract

This article reviews the application of the Rorschach Inkblot Test in clinical practice. It concerns specificity of this test, its advantages, disadvantages and diagnostic value in assessment of mental disorders. Such an review seems to be important in face of controversies this tool has been evoking since its conceptualization in 1921 by Hermann Rorschach and current rising popularity of quantitative methods, which are often perceived as having more evidence-based psychometric foundations and demanding less clinical experience when it comes to analysis. The first part of this article is focused on methodological aspects of the Rorschach Test: specificity of its application, the most important variables and theoretical approaches. Also the arguments of Rorschach opponents and proponents will be discussed. The most important argument of its proponents is the variety of information about unconscious processes. The main argument of its opponents is the lack of validity, reliability and adequate norms for particular mental disorders. In the following paragraphs, the most crucial criteria for diagnosis of schizophrenia, affective and personality disorders will be described. This scope of disorders is reflected in typical traits found in the Rorschach scoring protocol. The second part of the article will be focused on the implementation of the method in cross-cultural and acculturation research. The results of some research imply that there are many of cross-cultural differences in norms and there was evidence found that the results, in case of individuals who go through the process of acculturation, especially biculturals, are strongly influenced by culture.

Authors and Affiliations

Ewa Waszkiewicz, Kornelia Zakrzewska-Wirkus

Keywords

EP ID EP99235
DOI -
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