EXPLORING ALEXITHYMIA IN SOMATIZATION USING RORSCHACH PSYCHODIAGNOSTICS

It has been classically postulated that alexithymia is related to a pervasive inability of emotional recognition and expression. This leaves some individuals little choice but to somatise unprocessed emotions commonly caused by internal conflicts. The present study thus aimed to explore the nature of conflicts, controls and stress tolerance, affect, self-perception, and interpersonal perception and behavior in somatization patients with alexithymia. 30 individuals of both sexes and of the age range 20-50 years, diagnosed with somatization disorder and alexithymia, were purposively undertaken for the study. Toronto Alexithymia Scale 20, Sack’s Sentence Completion Test and the Rorschach Test – Exner’s Comprehensive System were used to screen for alexithymia, to measure conflicts and the other aforementioned domains respectively. Results revealed that conflicts related to self-concept, sex, and family were primarily present in this sample. Characteristic patterns of underlying vulnerabilities seemed to account for poor stress tolerance, affective complications, negative self-perception, and maladaptive interpersonal functioning. It is suggested that alexithymia and a tendency to develop conflicts in somatization are based on the foundation of certain fundamental personality predispositions. Identifying said personality patterns could aid in appropriate and effective goal-setting in psychotherapy, specific to this otherwise treatment-resistant patient population.

The Validity of the Holtzman Inkblot Technique: New Indices

Objective: The present study examines the validity of 11 new Holtzman Inkblot Technique indices. These were chosen from Exner’s Comprehensive System (RCS) indices using two criteria: first, they had to be valid according to meta-analysis, and second, they must be computed using the HIT standard scoring system.Methods: Both techniques were administrated with a retest interval from 1 to 7days to a sample of 139 subjects (63 males and 76 females) from the general population. The validity of the new indices was studied through Pearson correlation (r) with the corresponding RCS indices.Results: Nine of the 11 new indices (R-HIT, F%-HIT, M-HIT, m-HIT, C'-HIT, Blends-HIT, PureH-HIT, DQ+HIT, and X-%-HIT) showed significant correlations with Rorschach scales, confirming our hypotheses. The correlation ranged from a minimum of 0.144 to a maximum of 0.414.Conclusions: The results provide support for the validity of the new HIT indices and have important implications for both clinical and research fields.

A Scientific Critique of Rorschach Research

Exner’s (1995a) Issues and Methods in Rorschach Research provided a standard of care for conducting Rorschach research; however, the extent to which studies have followed these guidelines has not been examined. Similarly, meta-analytic approaches have been used to comment on the validity of Exner’s Comprehensive System (CS) variables without an evaluation as to the extent that individual studies have conformed to the proposed methodological criteria ( Exner, 1995a ; Gacono, Loving, & Bodholdt, 2001 ). In this article, 210 studies cited in recent meta-analyses by Mihura, Meyer, Dumitrascu, and Bombel (2013) were examined. The studies were analyzed in terms of being research on the Rorschach versus research with the Rorschach and whether they met the threshold of validity/generalizability related to specific Rorschach criteria. Only 104 of the 210 (49.5%) studies were research on the Rorschach and none met all five Rorschach criteria assessed. Trends and the need for more stringent methods when conducting Rorschach research were presented.

A Comparison of Learning-Disabled Children and Non-Learning-Disabled Children on the Rorschach

The purpose of this study was to examine the differences between learning-disabled (LD) and non-learning-disabled (non-LD) students on the Rorschach inkblot test to help determine how differently the two groups process information. Using the cognitive triad in Exner’s Comprehensive System (CS), the variables consistent with past research and most representative of each of the three stages of the cognitive triad were investigated. The sample consisted of 62 schoolchildren in the age range of 7–12 years in the US state of California. Thirty-one children were identified as LD and were matched on age, gender, and ethnicity with a student who was identified as non-LD. The groups’ responses were compared using a one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine whether differences existed between the groups for each of the Rorschach variables F%, W+, XA%, and WSum6. This study concluded that LD children are unable to perceive, interpret, and synthesize information from their environment in a clear and realistic way when compared with their non-LD peers.

Rorschach assessment of personality functioning in patients with polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy

Objective: To date no studies have investigated the personality functioning underlying patients diagnosed with polycystic lipomembranous osteodysplasia with sclerosing leukoencephalopathy (PLOSL) using the performance-based Rorschach test.Methods: We scored and interpreted the Rorschach protocols of eight carefully diagnosed PLOSL patients according to Exner's Comprehensive System. The structural variables in the Rorschach are organised around the seven dimensions of personality functioning that they assess: coping style and resources, organising information, perceiving events, forming concepts and ideas, handling of emotions, self-perception and interpersonal perception.Results: As a group PLOSL patients had many personality liabilities when contrasted with typical avoidant non-patient adults. A majority of patients showed an avoidant coping style (Lambda > 0.99), low productivity and poor verbal output in the low number of responses and few Blends. Also, they showed limited available resources to cope with problem-solving test. Problems in organising information efficiently, and perceiving events realistically as well as signs of disturbed thinking and concept formation were observed in many patients. Handling of emotions was characterised by avoidance of emotional stimuli but at the same time poor affect modulation. Capacities to view themselves and others were thoroughly limited.Conclusions: PLOSL tends to have repercussions throughout the personality functioning. In line with clinical findings and later neuroradiological and neuropathological examinations the Rorschach revealed personality features typical for frontal type of dementia.

Rorschach Indicators of PTSD

The complexity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) makes it difficult to assess and diagnose the syndrome. Most diagnostic tools are based on self-report questionnaires and are thus susceptible to both conscious and unconscious biases. Projective techniques, including the Rorschach inkblot test, might overcome these shortcomings. This retrospective study analyzed 187 Rorschach protocols, 4 or more years after the diagnosis (PTSD vs. non-PTSD) had been determined. The protocols were coded into the computer version of Exner’s Comprehensive System (RIAP5) (Exner, 2005) and then analyzed statistically, using linear regression. A 13-item model was found to significantly predict 36.6% of PTSD patients.

The History and Development of the Rorschach Test in Turkey

The history of Turkish psychology, the cultural changes, and the rise of psychoanalysis have accompanied the development of Rorschach in Turkey. Yani Anastasiadis, the Turkish Rorschach pioneer, perceived Rorschach as “the radiography of human spirit.” So the history of the Rorschach begins in 1943, and it became widely utilized in hospitals and clinical settings. Although in the 1950s statistical evaluation ruled, Anastasiadis continued his research and presented several articles at conferences and published many written articles. Today other approaches such as Exner’s Comprehensive System and the currently used psychoanalytically oriented Rorschach, highly influenced by French schools, have emerged. The psychoanalytically oriented Rorschach system and the development of psychoanalysis in Turkey in general occurred at the same time, which is not a coincidence. The spread of psychoanalysis as well as the Rorschach test has been helped by a number of associations. The Society of Rorschach and Projective Tests was formed in 2003. Today, there are standardized Turkish norms of adults and adolescents, and several books have been published.

Rorschach Responses in Borderline Personality Disorder with Alcohol Dependence

Summary: The purpose of this exploratory study was to analyze differences in Rorschach responses between two groups of alcoholics, one of which was diagnosed Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and the other Mixed Personality Disorder (MXPD). Forty-three male alcohol dependent inpatients participated in the study. The subjects were diagnosed by two independent clinical psychologists and divided into three groups. Group 1 consisted of 19 alcoholic patients also diagnosed BPD(BPD19); Group 2 consisted of 14 alcoholic patients also diagnosed MXPD; Group 3 comprised 10 alcoholic patients also diagnosed BPD as well as a secondary personality disorder diagnosis in addition (BPD10). The Rorschach was administered once 14 to 20 days after admission and scored according to Exner's Comprehensive System. BPD patients produced more responses than the MXPD group and revealed more interest in other people than MXPD. However, their interest in other people was marked by ambivalence, feelings of aggression, and withdrawal or isolation from social interaction. Both BPD groups revealed a significantly greater tendency to distorted perception of reality than the MXPD group and a greater tendency to pathological thinking and confusion.