A conceptual framework for the clinical test situation.

Abstract

The need to account for the adaptive behavior of the patient in the clinical test situation is discussed with respect to the relative rather than absolute nature of test responses. Adaptation-level (AL) theory is proposed as a framework of reference for adaptive behavior of the patient in the clinical test situation, as well as for clinical judgment and prediction. The theory of AL possesses the relativity and operational validity required for dealing with complex clinical phenomena. Implications of the AL model for clinical theory, experimentation, and practice are suggested.

Current trends and issues in adaptation-level theory.

“…Last but not least among the current trends are investigations by Bevan and his co-workers (Behar & Bevan, 1961) of cross-modal judgments, applications to Rorschach testing by Block (1964), to TAT tests by Dollin and Sakoda (1962), effects of context on scaling traits by Young, Holtzman, and Bryant (1954) and Podell (1961), and investigations by Golds tone and his co-workers (Goldstone & Goldfarb, 1964) in their experimental-psychophysical approach to psychiatric disorders.…”