Interaction Testing: An Engaged Couple of Drug Addicts Tested Separately and Together

Abstract

Two young addicts, admitted to hospital for withdrawal of heroin and cocaine, were tested in the course of a research project. When it became known that they were engaged to be married they were re-tested together on the Similarities subtest of the WAIS, and the individual Rorschach tests were followed by a common performance of the Z-test. The test results are given and discussed. Both patients had a history of promiscuity and prison, and the results of individual testing raised considerable doubt about the suitability of the marriage. Interaction testing, however, gave clearly a much more hopeful picture. It indicated how these two young people were likely to influence each other, what efforts they made to meet each other and how far they were prepared to go. It appeared that there was a mutual give-and-take and that they were able to lend each other positive support. In the “testing together” situation the interaction between the two became apparent in their responses. The technique might prove valuable in exploring the dynamics of human relationships.