Rorschach Correlates of Self-Reported Attachment Dimensions: Dynamic Manifestations of Hyperactivating and Deactivating Strategies

Abstract

We examined associations between self-reported attachment anxiety and avoidance and responses to the Rorschach test. Seventy-two, nonpatient Israeli adults participated in a 2-session study. In the first session, they completed a self-report scale tapping the dimensions of attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. In the second session, they completed the Rorschach test. The Rorschach was administered and coded according to Exner's (2001) Comprehensive System scoring. We found that self-reports of attachment anxiety were associated with Rorschach scores thought to indicate difficulties in regulating and controlling emotions and self-perceptions of being relatively helpless and unworthy. Self-reports of attachment avoidance were associated with Rorschach scores thought to reflect lack of acknowledgment of need states and maintenance of a grandiose self. We discuss the findings in terms of implicit psychodynamic processes inherent in attachment-system functioning.