Rorschach Comprehensive System Variables in Relation to Assessing Dynamic Capacity and Ego Strength for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy

Abstract

Few studies have concerned the relation between Comprehensive System (CS; Exner, 1991, 1993, 2003) Rorschach variables, and suitability for psychodynamic psychotherapy. In this study, I predicted correlations between 17 rationally selected CS variables and suitability for psychotherapy as represented by ratings of Dynamic Capacity and Ego Strength. The participants were 52 psychotherapy applicants between 20 and 57 years old. The ratings were performed after clinical interviews and decisions concerning selection of the applicants. EA, FC, Blends, Zf, and MQo correlated positively and YFY negatively with Dynamic Capacity ratings, whereas EA, FC, and Blends correlated positively and YFY and F% negatively with Ego Strength ratings. EA, FC, YFY, Zf, MQo, and F% also differed between the applicants selected and those not selected for psychotherapy. Considering earlier research, the results for Blends, Zf, and F% were interpreted as replications and for MQo and EA as showing satisfactory consistency.