A Rorschach Analysis: Parallel Disturbance in Thought and in Self/Object Representation

Abstract

The relationship between thought process disturbance and the structure of internal object relations was investigated by comparing Rorschach Special Scorings and content variables that reflected developmental levels of object relations. Selected Special Scorings from the Comprehensive System (Exner, 1990) and composite (WSum6) scores were correlated with Urist's (1977) Mutuality of Autonomy Scale (MOA) on the Rorschach protocols of 35 borderlines, 15 schizophrenics, and 19 narcissists. Correlations between composite scores of severe thought process disturbance and severe imbalance in internalized object representations were highly significant, p < .0001. The hypothesis that there is a significant relationship between disturbance in internalized self/object differentiation and thought process disturbance was supported. Implications of this study are discussed as they relate to empirical validation of theoretical constructs concerning ego function deficit and self/object disturbance.

A rorschach exploration of the DSM-IV borderline personality disorder

“…The results of this study provide additional support for the well-documented ability of Rorschach assessment data to aid in the identification of DSM BPD patients and symptoms (Acklin, 1993;Berg, 1990;Berg et al, 1993;Exner, 1986;Gacono et al, 1992;Gartner et al, 1989;Hilsenroth et al, 1993). Of the six Rorschach variables studied, five were significantly associated with the BPD total scores, and four of these variables (A1, MOA-H, ROD, and Devaluing) were exclusively associated with the BPD total score.…”

“…The clinical implications of these findings are reviewed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Psychol 55: 563-572, 1999. Although no definitive borderline Rorschach profile exists (Murray, 1993), the ability of Rorschach assessment data to aid in the diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is empirically well established (Acklin, 1993;Berg, 1990;Berg, Packer, & Nunno, 1993;Exner, 1986;Farris, 1988;Gacono, Meloy, & Berg, 1992;Gartner, Hurt, & Gartner, 1989;Hilsenroth, Hibbard, Nash, & Handler, 1993). For example, research using Rorschach structural summary variables (atheoretical empirically developed test signs) has shown patients with BPD to be extratensive and affect oriented in their functioning, to use more egocentric thinking, and to be more vulnerable to disorganization under stress, than either schizotypal or schizophrenic patients (Exner, 1986).…”

The Rorschach test in clinical diagnosis: A critical review, with a backward look at Garfield (1947)

“…Second, to avoid criterion contamination, we eliminated studies if clinicians had used the Rorschach when formulating diagnoses (Berg, 1990;Berg, Packer, & Nunno, 1993;Hilsenroth et al, 1993;Kelly, 1986;Peters & Nunno, 1996), or if the same clinicians who administered the Rorschach also assigned diagnoses (Exner, 1986b). Finally, we eliminated studies that assigned diagnoses based entirely or in part on chart reviews (with possible criterion contamination) rather than on structured or clinical interviews (Carlson et al, 1997;Coonerty, 1986;Farris, 1988;Hilsenroth et al, 1998;Hilsenroth et al, 1997;Salwen, Reznikoff, & Schwartz, 1989).…”

Assessing Narcissism Using Rorschach-Based Imagery and Behavior Validated by Clinician Reports: Studies With Adult Patients and Nonpatients

“…With the aim of advancing the multimethod assessment of grandiosity and narcissism, we took a systematic approach to the Rorschach literature to identify relevant research and theoretical efforts that we could build on (Berg, 1990; Berg, Packer, & Nunno, 1993; Blais et al, 2001; Cooper & Arnow, 1986; Cooper, Perry, & Arnow, 1988; Cooper, Perry, & O’Connell, 1991; Exner, 2003; Farris, 1988; Gacono, Meloy, & Berg, 1992; Gacono, Meloy, & Heaven, 1990; Handler & Hilsenroth, 2006; Harder, 1979; Hilsenroth, Fowler, Padawer, & Handler, 1997; Homann, 2013; H. Lerner, 1988; P.…”