Can Neuroscience Provide a New Foundation for the Rorschach Variables?

Abstract

Abstract. Recent progress in neuroscience has made it possible to use neurophysiological techniques to validate and deepen the interpretation of Rorschach variables. The aim of this article is to review the results from Rorschach studies using the neurophysiological approach to discuss the consistencies and inconsistencies between the different results, and then to consider the future direction of Rorschach research in this area. We also provide unpublished data to complement the picture from peer-reviewed studies. Two main approaches to neuropsychological studies on the Rorschach exist. One approach is to measure brain activities directly during the Rorschach administration; a series of studies using multiple neurophysiological methods revealed activation of the mirror neuron system with relation to human movement responses. Another possible approach is to investigate whether individual differences in Rorschach scores can be explained by neurophysiological measurements during the administration of another psychological task. This article reviews how these two approaches provide novel insights into the Rorschach Test.

101 Jahre Rorschachtest

“…Schott 28 schloss nicht aus, dass sich in individuellen „Projektionen“ zu einzelnen Klecksen Information über die Theory-of-Mind einer betrachtenden Person finden könne und dass Rorschachs Idee einer „Psychodiagnostik“ auf einer festeren Grundlage stehen könnte als bisher angenommen. Ähnlich werfen Jimura und Mitarbeiter 30 in einer Sondernummer der „Rorschachiana“ zum 100. Geburtstag der „Psychodiagnostik“ die rhetorische Frage auf „Can neuroscience provide a new foundation for the Rorschach variables?“ (Titel des Beitrages).…”

“…Bildgebende Studien mit Rorschachklecksen als Stimuli wollen die Aktivierung des Spiegelneuronensystems spezifisch bei Interpretationen, die menschliche Bewegungen beinhalten, bekräftigt haben 33 , 34 . Weitere funktionelle und strukturelle MRT-Studien, auch zu nicht bewegungsassoziierten Rorschachvariabeln, sind zusammengefasst in 30 und 35 .…”

A Commentary on “Can Neuroscience Provide a New Foundation for the Rorschach Variables?” (Jimura et al., 2021)

“…Selected Rorschach response categories are helpfully presented in a systematic fashion. Only a few studies have addressed the neuroscientific validation of nonhuman movement determinants and chromatic determinants (Jimura, Konishi, Asari, et al, 2009; and the authors have included new hypotheses and preliminary results from re-analyses of their previously published research.…”

“…Scientific enquiry of observed physiological brain activity during and associated with Rorschach responses is set out in a review of studies over the past decade that investigate neural correlates. The review by Jimura, Asari, and Nakamura (2021) provides a conceptual framework for neurophysiological investigation and provides an opportunity to elaborate the construct validity and clinical application of Rorschach variables.…”

Celebrating 100 Years

“…In a very different vein, Koji Jimura, Tomoki Asari, and Noriko Nakamura plunge into neurophysiological studies of brain functioning during the administration of the Rorschach and provide fascinating links between individual differences in particular Rorschach scores and patterns of brain activity, looking at the human movement response, achromatic determinants, form quality, chromatic responses, oral dependent responses, and complexity (Jimura et al, 2021). L. Andre van Graan, a neuropsychologist with additional training in neuroscience and neuroimaging, is the discussant.…”