Using the TAT to Assess the Relation Between Gender Identity and the Use of Defense Mechanisms

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to explore whether 2 different dimensions of personality, when assessed at an implicit level with the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT; Murray, 1943) will show a theoretically meaningful coherence not demonstrated when 1 is assessed at an implicit level and the other at an explicit level. Gender identity and defense mechanisms were assessed implicitly using the TAT. Gender identity was compared with a self-report measure of gender-related attributes assessed at the explicit level. The results showed a theoretically meaningful coherence when different dispositions were assessed at the same level, but a lack of agreement when similar dispositions were assessed at different levels. The study is based on a secondary analysis of data from 2 previously published papers (Cramer, 1998; Cramer & Westergren, 1999).

Notes

¹ For a discussion of these, see Cramer (2006).

² This idea was expressed earlier by Deutsch (1944) in her description of femininity involving “activity directed inward” (Vol. I, p. 195).

³ Participation was part of the college academic curriculum. Consent is based on the college serving in loco parentis.

⁴ A detailed description of the scoring rules for the pivotal incident, and for deprivation and enhancement units, with numerous examples, is provided in May (1980). See also Cramer (1996).

⁵ Appreciation is expressed to Heather Westergren for this coding.

⁶ Extensive rules for coding and examples are provided at http://web.williams.edu/Psychology/Faculty/Cramer/Defense%20Mechanisms.pdf.

⁷ Appreciation is expressed to Ray Kamoo for this coding.