Assessment of Adolescents with the Rorschach: A Critical Review

Abstract

This paper critically reviews 48 studies which examine the use of the Rorschach in adolescent populations. Several methodological concerns present in this literature are addressed, including (a) small sample sizes, (b) wide age ranges within the samples, (c) limited generalizability due to narrowly defined constructs and examination of highly specific groups, (d) frequent reliance on recorded diagnosis to determine group membership, and (e) limited comparability across studies due to the use of highly variable scoring and interpretation systems. In spite of these difficulties, there is some evidence that the Rorschach does provide useful and valid measures of reality testing, cognitive complexity, and disordered/psychotic thinking; general psychological distress; disturbance in object relations; and depression in specific adolescent groups. Clinical implications and directions for future research are discussed.

The clinical utility of the Rorschach: Unfulfilled promises and an uncertain future.

“…Shontz and Green (1992), although often cited as providing evidence for the validity of the Rorschach, rely entirely on the Atkinson (1986), Atkinson et al (1986), Parker (1983), and Parker et al (1988) studies to support their contention that the Rorschach is valid when used appropriately. In his 1996 article on the validity of the Rorschach, Weiner relied primarily on the meta-analytic research of Atkinson (1986) and Parker et al Additionally, he indicated that Ornberg and Zalewski’s (1994) review of 48 studies using the Rorschach with adolescents provided some evidence for the test’s validity. A closer reading of this review article suggests that the extent of supporting evidence is rather limited.…”

Some observations on the validity of the Rorschach Inkblot Method.

“…In concluding this commentary on literature reviews, mention should also be made of a recent analysis by Ornberg and Zalewski (1994) of 48 studies using the Rorschach with adolescent populations. These authors conclude from their review that “there is some evidence that the Rorschach does provide useful and valid measures of reality testing, cognitive complexity, and disordered/psychotic thinking; general psychological distress; disturbance in object relations; and depression in specific adolescent groups” (p. 209).…”