Effects of Environmental Stimulation on the M, FM, and m Responses in the Rorschach

Abstract

The Rorschach was administered twice to 20 young male subjects in its usual clinical form with an interval of about a year between tests. The second administration was carried out on board ship under conditions of a severe storm, which is assumed to have provided marked movement stimulation. The difference between the tests was analyzed for variation in the total number of responses, and number of human movement, animal movement, and inanimate movement responses. It was hypothesised that since M and FM responses reflect basic personality characteristics or attitudes, no change in their appearance should occur even under severe environmental stimulation. The m response, however, was expected to reflect the individual's response to stress and therefore to change under the experimental conditions. The results showed no change in the M and FM responses, but a large and significant increase in the m responses. All three hypotheses were thus confirmed.