Measuring Psychological Development With the Rorschach

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop and to provide an initial validation of a Rorschach index measuring developmental progress and growth. The Developmental Index (DI) was created in a 3-step, sequential strategy with adult and child data in which we (a) selected potential DI variables from quantitative research literature and from data available to us, (b) identified an optimal group of DI variables and created the DI equation using an independent nonpatient sample, and (c) provided an initial cross-validation of the DI using an independent clinical sample. Age and age rank categorization groups from normative data associated with the Wechsler intelligence scales (Wechsler, 2003, 2008) and contrasts between adults and children served as criteria for development. These samples include a large amount of data from a diverse international subject pool using the Comprehensive System of the Rorschach. Interim validity checks were undertaken to ensure the analytic strategy was sound. The DI includes 12 variables with individual weights determined by regression analysis. The initial independent cross-validation of the DI with a clinical sample revealed that it discriminated well between children and adults. Thus, initial support for this scale as a measure of psychological development across cultures and geography was established, but future research is needed. Clinical implications and specific research needs are presented.

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Correction to: Measuring Psychological Development With the Rorschach

Acknowledgments

Michael L. Stanfill is now at the King County Department of Public Health, Seattle, WA.

Notes

F% (F/R) is an algebraic function of the CS variable Lambda [F/(R-F)]. Because of this mathematical equivalence we use research on Lambda as applicable to F%. We prefer F% because it has demonstrated superior distribution qualities (Meyer, Viglione, & Exner, 2001).

Variables not included because of this last step were form dominated achromatic color response (FC’), form dominated texture response (FT), form dominated shading response (FY), the Egocentricity Index (a summary score based on number of reflection and pair responses), percentage of accurate form quality responses (XA%), human experience content (Hx), perseverative responses (PSV), and an index assessing coping deficits (CDI). The ratio of pure F responses (Lambda) was deemed supportive of F% (Meyer et al., 2001).

This is the first time this subsample of the Step 2 data set is used.