Rorschach variables as indicators of depression in an inpatient adolescent population
Abstract
This study examined the validity of the results of subject's performance on the MMPI - A, BDI I & II, SCL-90, Hopkin's behavior rating scale and the Rorschach. Scores on the MMPI-A, Hopkin's depression and interpersonal sensitivity questions, and treatment team diagnosis determined group membership or where subjects fell on a continuum of depressive symptomatology. Subjects who did not elevate on any measure were considered non-depressed and subjects who scored in the clinical range on any measure were considered depressed (slight through severe) based on the number of measures that were in the clinical range for depression. The current study found that when the severely depressed subjects were compared to all other subjects, two variables differentiated the groups, pairs and reflections and morbid content. However, in this comparison, pairs and reflections differentiated the two groups in the opposite direction as predicted by the hypothesis of the current study. Thus, the non-depressed group had a higher percentage of responses containing these variables defined by Exner as a sign of depression. When moderately to severely depressed subjects were compared to the no depression group, the slightly and mildly depressed participants, the egocentricity and blends differentiated the two. The current study found that a select few variables on the Rorschach were able to discriminate amongst different levels of depressed adolescents. Some variables differentiated the groups in the manner predicted by the hypothesis of the current study and some in the opposite direction. Blends distinguished the groups in the direction predicted, however, the egocentricity index was higher in the non-depressed than the severely depressed group. Many of the different forms used to assess adolescent depression do not significantly correlate with one another or show a negative correlation, such as the CDI and the BDI.
Subject Area
Clinical psychology|Quantitative psychology
Recommended Citation
Goldman, Gilian N, "Rorschach variables as indicators of depression in an inpatient adolescent population" (2001). ETD Collection for Pace University. AAI3015187.
https://digitalcommons.pace.edu/dissertations/AAI3015187
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