To be honest, all these psychological topics in my entire life have never convinced me of their importance, effectiveness and necessity. I understand that this is not an indicator to evaluate this direction in general, but still I have an opinion for myself.
On the other hand, this is a whole science and many people are involved in it, both from one side and the other.
The Rorschach test or the Rorschach inkblot technique is one of the most famous psychodiagnostic personality tests. Each of us has seen at least one picture with blots that resemble …
And here, in fact, the test begins, since the answer determines the individual properties and inclinations of a particular person. Recently, due to the massive distribution on social networks, the Rorschach test is often presented in significantly simplified versions, but in fact it is a powerful psychological tool.
I've often caught a glimpse of these pictures and heard about this test, but I didn't have to pass it myself, and even more so I didn't quite imagine the methodology and specifics of this test. Let's all together find out about this now, and at the same time remember about its author and the history of the creation of the Rorschach test
HERMAN RORSACH BORN ON 8 NOVEMBER 1884 IN ZURICH (SWITZERLAND). He was the eldest son of an unlucky artist forced to make a living by drawing lessons at school. Since childhood, Herman was fascinated by color spots (in all likelihood, the result of the creative efforts of his father and the boy's own love for painting), and his school friends called him the Blot. When Herman was twelve, his mother died, and when the young man was eighteen, his father also died. After graduating with honors from high school, Rorschach decided to study medicine. In 1912 he received his doctorate in medicine from the University of Zurich, after which he worked in a number of psychiatric hospitals. In 1911, while still at university, Rorschach conducted a series of interesting experiments in order to checkDo schoolchildren gifted with artistic talents have a more developed imagination when interpreting ordinary ink blots. This research had a huge impact not only on the future career of a scientist, but also on the development of psychology as a science in general. I must say, Rorschach was not the first to use color spots in his research.
To say unequivocally how the Swiss psychiatrist and psychologist Hermann Rorschach came up with the idea of creating such a test is a very difficult task. PhD Jane Framingham, for example, believes that such an idea could have been prompted by the popular children's game "Klecksographie" - charades based on ink blots, which was popular at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Blots as a psychological tool could have been used by Rorschach's teacher and friend Konrad Goering.
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The history of the test itself can be started from 1911, when E. Bleuler first introduced the term "schizophrenia" into scientific use, and G. Rorschach became interested in this disease and devoted his dissertation to studying it. During the experimental part, he noticed that patients interpret the spots from the Klecksographie game in different ways. But then he made only a small report on his observation.
This was followed by several years of practice, during which G. Rorschach actively tested the ink-blot technique on his patients in order to determine personal behavioral factors. As a result, 40 cards with ink spots were created and theoretical material was collected to present the methodology. But there were difficulties with the publication. Now it's hard to believe, but not a single publishing house of that time wanted to take on the printing of Rorschach's book. And the reason for this was not the fantastic or unscientific nature of his ideas, but the banal technical difficulty in printing so many drawings of blots. As a result, they had to be reduced first to 15, and then to 10. Only after that one of the publishing houses agreed to publish the book. It came out in 1921 under the name Psychodiagnostik.
In it, the author outlined his theory about the personal characteristics of people. One of the main provisions is that qualities such as introversion and extraversion are represented in the personality of each person - in other words, that we are motivated by both external and internal factors. According to the scientist, the test with ink spots allows you to assess the relative ratio of these properties and identify any mental deviation or, on the contrary, the strengths of the personality. The psychological scientific community practically did not pay attention to the first edition of Rorschach's book, because in those days the opinion prevailed that it was impossible to measure or test what a person's personality consists of. However, over time, colleagues began to understand the benefits of the Rorschach test,and in 1922 the psychiatrist discussed the possibilities of improving his method at a meeting of the Psychoanalytic Society. Unfortunately, on April 1, 1922, after suffering a week of severe abdominal pain, Hermann Rorschach was admitted to the hospital with suspected appendicitis, and on April 2 he died of peritonitis. He was only thirty-seven years old, and he never saw the huge success of the psychological tool he invented.
In it, in addition to introducing the concept of "psychodiagnostics" into science, the results of studies with ink stains and the test itself with explanations were presented. The scoring system of Rorschach himself (in other words, explanations of how to interpret the results obtained) focused on the classification of possible answers, and paid minimal attention to their content. The author of the test died the following year. Despite the weakness of certain aspects of the test (it is unclear to which category of the proposed classification all possible answer options should be attributed due to the lack of their description in the work), its developments were highly valued for a long time and were the main diagnostic tools in clinical psychology (for 40-50 x years of the twentieth century). In the 1960s, the Rorschach test was criticized,mainly due to the lack of a unified methodology for assessing responses (there are several most common scoring systems: Beck, Piotrovsky, Klopfer, etc.).
But they managed to avoid complete discrediting. Mainly thanks to the writings of John Exner. He compared the 5 dominant rating systems and created something like a unifying system (The Rorschach: A Comprehensive System). Today, many psychologists use the Rorschach test precisely within the framework of the Exner Integrative System. It is used for diagnostics in correctional institutions in the United States and some other countries, in forensics, for the diagnosis of personality disorders in clinical psychology. Also, the test reveals validity in understanding the personality and emotional state of a person in cases where the patient does not want or cannot (due to dementia, for example, as in the case of Charlie Gordon in "Flowers for Algernon") to talk about it directly. Globally, based on the answers, one can judge the psychology of a person,understand his past and predict future behavior.
Rorschach ink stains
The Rorschach test uses ten inkblots: five black and white, two black and red, and three color. The psychologist shows the cards in strict order, asking the patient the same question: "What is it like?" After the patient has seen all the pictures and given the answers, the psychologist shows the cards again, again in strict order. The patient is asked to name everything that he sees on them, where exactly in the picture he sees this or that image, and what makes him give just such an answer in it. Cards can be flipped, tilted, manipulated in any other way. The psychologist must accurately record everything the patient says and does during the test, as well as the timing of each response. Then the answers are analyzed and points are calculated. Then, by means of mathematical calculations, a result is displayed according to the test data, which is interpreted by a specialist. If any ink stain does not evoke any associations in a person or he cannot describe what he sees on it, this may mean that the object depicted on the card is blocked in his mind, or that the image on it is connected in his subconscious with the topic that at the moment he would not like to discuss.
CARD 1
ON THE FIRST CARD WE SEE SPOTS OF BLACK INK. It is shown first, and the answer to it allows the psychologist to guess how this person performs tasks that are new to him - therefore, associated with a certain stress. Usually people say that the image reminds them of a bat, moth, butterfly or the face of some animal, such as an elephant or a rabbit. The answer reflects the personality type of the respondent as a whole.
For some people, the image of a bat is associated with something unpleasant and even demonic; for others, it is a symbol of rebirth and the ability to navigate in the dark. Butterflies can symbolize transition and transformation, as well as the ability to grow, change, and overcome difficulties. The moth symbolizes a feeling of abandonment and ugliness, as well as weakness and anxiety. The muzzle of an animal, in particular an elephant, often symbolizes the ways in which we confront difficulties and fear of inner problems. It can also mean "an elephant in a china shop," that is, convey a feeling of discomfort, and indicate a certain problem that a person is currently trying to get rid of.
CARD 2
THIS CARD IS A SPOT OF RED-BLACK, and people often see it as something sexy. Parts of red are usually interpreted as blood, and the reaction to it reflects how the person controls their feelings and anger and how they deal with physical harm. The respondents most often say that this spot reminds them of an act of prayer, two people, a person looking in a mirror, or some long-legged animal, such as a dog, bear or elephant.
If a person sees two people in a spot, it can symbolize interdependence, an obsession with sex, an ambivalent attitude towards sexual intercourse, or a focus on connection and close relationships with others. If the spot resembles a person reflecting in a mirror, this can symbolize self-centeredness or, on the contrary, a tendency to self-criticism. In each of the two options, either a negative or a positive personality characteristic is expressed, depending on what feelings the image evokes in a person. If the respondent sees a dog in the spot, this may mean that he is a loyal and loving friend. If he perceives the stain as something negative, then he needs to face his fears face to face and acknowledge his inner feelings. If the spot resembles an elephant to a person, this may symbolize a tendency to think,developed intelligence and good memory; however, sometimes such a vision speaks of a negative perception of one's own body. The bear, imprinted in the spot, symbolizes aggression, rivalry, independence, disobedience. In the case of English-speaking patients, a play on words can play a role: bear (bear) and bare (naked), which means a sense of insecurity, vulnerability, as well as the sincerity and honesty of the respondent. The spot on this card reminds of something sexual, and if the respondent sees him as a praying person, this may indicate a relationship to sex in the context of religion. If at the same time the respondent sees blood in the stain, it means that he associates physical pain with religion, or, experiencing complex emotions like anger, resorts to prayer, or associates anger with religion.however, sometimes such a vision speaks of a negative perception of one's own body. The bear, imprinted in the spot, symbolizes aggression, rivalry, independence, disobedience. In the case of English-speaking patients, a play on words can play a role: bear (bear) and bare (naked), which means a sense of insecurity, vulnerability, as well as the sincerity and honesty of the respondent. The spot on this card reminds of something sexual, and if the respondent sees him as a praying person, this may indicate a relationship to sex in the context of religion. If at the same time the respondent sees blood in the stain, it means that he associates physical pain with religion, or, experiencing complex emotions like anger, resorts to prayer, or associates anger with religion.however, sometimes such a vision speaks of a negative perception of one's own body. The bear, imprinted in the spot, symbolizes aggression, rivalry, independence, disobedience. In the case of English-speaking patients, a play on words can play a role: bear (bear) and bare (naked), which means a sense of insecurity, vulnerability, as well as the sincerity and honesty of the respondent. The spot on this card reminds of something sexual, and if the respondent sees him as a praying person, this may indicate a relationship to sex in the context of religion. If at the same time the respondent sees blood in the stain, it means that he associates physical pain with religion, or, experiencing complex emotions like anger, resorts to prayer, or associates anger with religion.disobedience. In the case of English-speaking patients, a play on words can play a role: bear (bear) and bare (naked), which means a sense of insecurity, vulnerability, as well as the sincerity and honesty of the respondent. The spot on this card reminds of something sexual, and if the respondent sees him as a praying person, this may indicate a relationship to sex in the context of religion. If at the same time the respondent sees blood in the stain, it means that he associates physical pain with religion, or, experiencing complex emotions like anger, resorts to prayer, or associates anger with religion.disobedience. In the case of English-speaking patients, a play on words can play a role: bear (bear) and bare (naked), which means a sense of insecurity, vulnerability, as well as the sincerity and honesty of the respondent. The spot on this card reminds of something sexual, and if the respondent sees him as a praying person, this may indicate a relationship to sex in the context of religion. If at the same time the respondent sees blood in the stain, it means that he associates physical pain with religion, or, experiencing complex emotions like anger, resorts to prayer, or associates anger with religion.and if the respondent sees him as a praying person, this may indicate an attitude towards sex in the context of religion. If at the same time the respondent sees blood in the stain, it means that he associates physical pain with religion, or, experiencing complex emotions like anger, resorts to prayer, or associates anger with religion.and if the respondent sees him as a praying person, this may indicate an attitude towards sex in the context of religion. If at the same time the respondent sees blood in the stain, it means that he associates physical pain with religion, or, experiencing complex emotions like anger, resorts to prayer, or associates anger with religion.
CARD 3
THE THIRD CARD IS A SPOT OF RED AND BLACK INK, and his perception symbolizes the patient's relationship to other people within the framework of social interaction. Most often, respondents see on it the image of two people looking in the mirror of a person, a butterfly or a moth.
If a person sees two dining people in the spot, it means that he is leading an active social life. A stain that resembles two people washing their hands indicates insecurity, a feeling of their own uncleanness, or paranoid fear. If the respondent saw in the spot two people playing a game, this often indicates that he is taking the position of a rival in social interactions. If the stain resembles a person looking at his reflection in the mirror, this may indicate self-centeredness, inattention to others and an inability to understand people.
CARD 4
THE FOURTH CARD THE SPECIALISTS CALL "THE FATHER'S". The spot on it is black, and some of its parts are indistinct, blurred. Many people see in this picture something big and frightening - an image that is usually perceived not as feminine, but as masculine. The reaction to this spot allows us to reveal a person's attitude to authorities and the peculiarities of his upbringing. Most often, the stain reminds the respondents of a huge animal or monster, or a burrow of some animal or its skin.
If the patient sees a large animal or monster in the spot, this can symbolize a feeling of inferiority and admiration for authorities, as well as an exaggerated fear of people in positions of power, including his own father. If the stain resembles a responding animal's skin, this often symbolizes the strongest inner discomfort when discussing topics related to the father. However, this may also indicate that the problem of one's own inferiority or admiration for authorities is not relevant for this respondent.
CARD 5
ON THIS CARD WE SEE A BLACK SPOT AGAIN. The association caused by him, like the image on the first card, reflects our true "I". Looking at this image, people usually do not feel threatened, and since the previous flashcards evoked completely different emotions in them, this time the person does not experience much tension or discomfort - therefore, a deeply personal reaction will be characteristic. If the image he sees is very different from the answer given when he saw the first card, it means that cards two through four most likely made a big impression on him. Most often, this image reminds people of a bat, butterfly or moth.
CARD 6
THE PICTURE ON THIS CARD IS ALSO ONE COLOR, BLACK; it is distinguished by the texture of the spot. This image evokes in a person associations with interpersonal intimacy, therefore it is called a "sex card". Most often, people say that the stain reminds them of a burrow or animal skin, which may indicate a reluctance to enter into close relationships with other people and, as a result, a feeling of inner emptiness and isolation from society.
CARD 7
THE SPOT ON THIS CARD IS ALSO BLACK and is usually associated with the feminine principle. Since people most often see images of women and children in this spot, it is called "maternal". If a person has difficulty describing what is depicted on the card, this may indicate that he has difficult relationships with women in his life. Respondents often say that the stain reminds them of the heads or faces of women or children; it can also evoke kissing memories.
If the spot looks like the heads of women, this symbolizes the feelings associated with the mother of the respondent, which also affect his attitude towards the female sex in general. If the stain resembles baby heads, this symbolizes feelings associated with childhood and the need to take care of the child who lives in the respondent's soul, or that the patient's relationship with the mother needs close attention and, possibly, correction. If a person sees in the spot two heads bowed for a kiss, this indicates his desire to be loved and reunited with his mother, or that he seeks to reproduce a once close relationship with his mother in other connections, including romantic or social ones.
CARD 8
THIS CARD IS GRAY, PINK, ORANGE, AND BLUE. Not only is this the first multi-colored card in the test, it is also particularly difficult to interpret. If it is during its demonstration or the change in the pace of displaying pictures that the respondent experiences obvious discomfort, it is very likely that in life he has difficulties in handling difficult situations or emotional stimuli. Most often people say that they see a four-legged animal, a butterfly or a moth here.
CARD 9
THE SPOT ON THIS CARD INCLUDES GREEN, PINK AND ORANGE. It has a vague outline, so most people find it difficult to understand what this image reminds them of. For this reason, this card allows you to assess how well a person copes with lack of clear structure and uncertainty. Most often, patients see on it either the general outlines of a person, or some kind of indefinite form of evil.
If the respondent sees a person, then the feelings experienced at the same time convey how successfully he copes with the disorganization of time and information. If a stain resembles an abstract image of evil, this may indicate that in order to feel comfortable, a person needs a clear order in his life, and that he does not cope well with uncertainty.
CARD 10
THE LAST CARD OF ROSHAH'S TEST IS MOST OF ALL COLORS: there are orange, and yellow, and green, and pink, and gray, and blue. In form, it is somewhat similar to the eighth card, but in complexity it corresponds more to the ninth. Many people have a pretty good feeling at the sight of this card, except for those who were very confused about the difficulty of identifying the image depicted on the previous card; when looking at this picture, they feel the same. This may indicate that it is difficult for them to cope with similar, synchronous or overlapping stimuli. Most often people see a crab, lobster, spider, rabbit head, snake or caterpillar on this card.
The image of a crab symbolizes the respondent's tendency to become too attached to things and people, or a quality such as tolerance. If a person sees a lobster in a picture, this may indicate his strength, tolerance and ability to cope with minor problems, as well as fear of hurting himself or being harmed by someone else. If the spot resembles a spider, it can be a symbol of fear, the feeling that a person was dragged into a difficult situation by force or deception. In addition, the image of a spider symbolizes an overly protective and caring mother and a woman's power. If a person sees a rabbit's head, it can symbolize fertility and a positive attitude towards life. Snakes reflect a sense of danger or the feeling that a person has been deceived, as well as a fear of the unknown. The snake is also often regarded as a phallic symbol and associated with unacceptable or forbidden sexual desires. Since this is the last card in the test, if the patient sees caterpillars on it, this speaks of the prospects for his growth and the understanding that people are constantly changing and developing.