Adult attachment theory and Rorschach Inkblot Method: A systematic literature review

Abstract

This critical appraisal and synthesis review explores the literature on the evidence of Rorschach Inkblot Method variables as measures of the attachment theory. We searched for publications making use of EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) which included 41 databases of which Academic Search Premier, ScienceDirect, PsycARTICLES, and PsycINFO yielded the most results. Inclusion criteria were published studies concerning Rorschach and attachment theory where participants were older than 18 years. Non-academic literature and studies not published in English were excluded. We synthesised the evidence following the narrative approach of Petticrew and Roberts (2006). Findings suggest texture, oral responses, and Rorschach oral dependency strongly associated with attachment security, with other variables indicating weaker associations with attachment.

Keywords:

• attachment styles
• attachment theory
• projective techniques
• representation
• Rorschach