Convergent Validity of Rorschach and TAT Scales of Object Relations

Abstract

The Rorschach Mutuality of Autonomy Scale (MOA; Urist, 1977) and the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale (SCORS; Westen,1995) have been shown to be reliable and valid measures of interpersonal functioning. Utilizing a sample of 57 outpatients with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; American Psychiatric Association, 1994) Axis II diagnosis, this study extends the findings of previous research demonstrating the reliability and convergent validity of each measure. Analyses focused on the convergent validity between the Rorschach MOA Scale and 8 SCORS variables (complexity, affect, emotional investment in relationships, emotional investment in values and morals, understanding of social causality, management of impulses/aggression, self-esteem, identity/coherence of self) ratings of Thematic Apperception Test (Murray, 1943) narratives. The conceptual nature and clinical utility of these findings are discussed in relation to psychological assessment.