Rorschach Assessment of Changes Following Psychotherapy: A Meta-Analytic Review

Abstract

I examined Rorschach assessment of personality changes following psychotherapy. I conducted a comprehensive literature search to find all studies using the Rorschach method at least twice for the same participant in connection with psychotherapy. I conducted meta-analyses for 38 samples, and I performed regression analyses to identify moderating factors. Across all Rorschach scores, the total weighted sample effect size was r = .26, and nearly half the variables obtained effect sizes higher than .30. Several moderating factors were found. Most important, effect sizes increased with longer and more intensive therapy. More concern for interscorer reliability was associated with larger effect sizes, whereas a higher degree of scorer blinding was associated with smaller effect size magnitudes. Predicted levels of change based on the regression models indicated substantial increases in effect size with longer therapies. The data indicate that many elements in the Rorschach are valid indicators of change despite the poor reputation the method has acquired within psychotherapy research.

Interaction structures in the psychodynamic therapy of a boy diagnosed with Asperger’s disorder: a single-case study

“…It is useful for the exploration of the structure and dynamics of personality. This method has been used in many studies, in order to analyze changes during the therapeutic process and after termination (Bram, 2010;Exner & Andronikof-Sanglade, 1992;Gronnerod, 2004;Heedea et al, 2009;Nascimento, 2001;Weiner, 2004;Weiner & Exner, 1991;Yazigi et al, 2013). These studies report the use of the Rorschach method before and after psychotherapy, in follow-up assessments, and during the process while monitoring the treatment.…”

Relationship of Pretreatment Rorschach Factors to Symptoms, Quality of Life, and Real-Life Functioning in a 3-Year Follow-Up of Traumatized Refugee Patients

“…Grønnerød's (2004) meta-analysis revealed that the RIM was a valid indicator of personality changes following psychotherapy and that RIM variables related to stress, control capacity, and affect changed the most in the course of therapy. Effect sizes of differences between test and retest RIM scores increased with therapy intensity and duration.…”

Is de combinatie van MMPI- en Rorschach-gegevens van nut voor psychoanalytische indicatiestelling?

“…De Rorschach is relatief weinig ingezet als evaluatie-instrument, terwijl het daartoe wel geschikt lijkt (Grønnerød, 2004;De Ruiter & Cohen, 1994). In een meta-analyse toonde Grønnerød bijvoorbeeld aan dat de Rorschach-methode even gevoelig is als andere instrumenten in het meten van veranderingen door psychotherapie.…”