Faces in the Clouds

Abstract

Abstract. White-Space Face responses on (primarily) Rorschach Cards II (WS or DS5) and X (WS or DdS30) have traditionally been scored Form Minus and regarded as pathological indicators of impaired reality testing, poor cognitive focusing, even psychosis/brain damage. These responses may now surpass the frequency cut-off for unusual/minus form level scoring. Puzzlingly, recent research moves these “faces in the clouds” from “abnormal” toward statistical “normality.” Attachment theory/research is combined with an object relations perspective and infant face perception research to suggest that these responses are the face of cradle-to-grave object-seeking needs, something urgent, vital, but not always rational, ultimately contributing to identity formation. It is more important to try and understand these responses, rather than simply rescore them.