Eating Disorders and the Rorschach

Abstract

Abstract. In this article we review research on eating disorders with the Rorschach. In this field there are two main lines of research involving two specific methodologies: the Comprehensive System and the French school. We present the main results of the different studies separately and then comment on some similarities and differences in the findings. We find that the results of these studies are complementary on certain aspects of functioning found in anorexia nervosa as compared with other categories of eating disorders. Both sets of studies underline the self-centeredness of anorexic patients with their difficulty in communicating their feelings and thoughts. In both types of study, treatment is understood as relying on an integrative and multidisciplinary model that seeks to modify the eating behaviors and to improve ego functions in order to moderate the patient’s distress. In addition, both types of research show that secure attachment would be the first priority for the therapist in psychological treatment, which should increase the patient’s confidence in others. They also both stress the importance of the restoration of self-esteem and a sense of identity through the support offered by the relationship to the therapist.

Celebrating 100 Years

“…They take as their starting point a metaanalysis by Grønnerød (2004) and provide us with an update. Their discussants, Christopher Hopwood, Mathew Yalch and Xiaochen Luo, respond with a tightly reasoned critique of methodology and recommendations for future research (Hopwood et al, 2021).…”

“…Silvia Monica Guinzbourg de Braude, Sarah Vibert, Tommaso Righetti, and Arianna Antonelli took on the challenging task of integrating the findings from studies with patients with eating disorders across two different approaches with the Rorschach, the Comprehensive System and the French School (Guinzbourg de Braude et al, 2021). Katarina Meskanen and Massiliano Pucci discuss the research with an eye to spelling out methodological issues and how to account for confounding variables (Meskanen & Pucci, 2021).…”