See discussions, stats, and author profiles for this publication at: https://www.researchgate.

net/publication/277301724

Rorschach Profile of Indian Adults

Article · July 2010

CITATIONS READS

3 2,142

5 authors, including:

Shweta Bajpai Ram Bajpai

Nanyang Technological University Keele University
29 PUBLICATIONS   240 CITATIONS    154 PUBLICATIONS   1,080 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Kaptan S Sengar Amool Ranjan Singh

Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences Ranchi Institute of Neuro-Psychiatry and Allied Sciences
23 PUBLICATIONS   55 CITATIONS    68 PUBLICATIONS   351 CITATIONS   

SEE PROFILE SEE PROFILE

Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects:

Chronic Wounds View project

PhD (Medical Statistics) View project

All content following this page was uploaded by Ram Bajpai on 27 May 2015.

The user has requested enhancement of the downloaded file.

 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

Rorschach Profile of Indian Adults

Shweta1, R. C. Bajpai2, K. S. Sengar3 , Amool R. Singh4 , N. G. Desai5

1 - M. Phil, Senior research fellow (Clinical Psychologist), 2 - MSc, Senior research fellow (Biostatistics), Dept of Psychiatry, Dept

of Psychiatry, Institute of Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi, (India).3 - Ph. D., Assistant Prof., 4 - Ph. D.

Professor & Head Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychiatric Social Work, Ranchi Institute of Neuropsychiatry and Allied

Sciences (RINPAS), Ranchi, Jharkhand (India). 5 - M.D., Prof. & Head, Dept. of Psychiatry & Medical Superintendent, Institute of

Human Behaviour and Allied Sciences (IHBAS), Delhi, (India).

Abstract:

The present study aimed to develop the normative data on Rorschach Test and present a comparative view of Indian male and

females. Sample for the study were drawn from Delhi by using systematic random sampling technique. The Rorschach Ink

Blot Test was administered on 238 subjects, consisting of 130 male and 108 females by following Beck system of

administration. Chi-square, t-test and U-test was computed to compare the Rorschach variables. Result obtained on Rorschach

protocol of normal Indian adults does not show significant difference between genders except two variables. Results are in

contrast with western norm and to some extent with Indian studies also. In addition religious responses on Rorschach Test

focus on some newer type of content and opened new dimension of further research. On Conclusion Beck’s norm is friendly

applicable to western culture. While, in the absence of any standardized Indian norms, analysis and interpretation of any Indian

study would be mala-fide. So, the foremost work will be to set standard Indian norms which may comply with parameter of

Indian socio-culture settings.

Key Words: Rorschach Test, Ink Blot, Beck, Standard Norm, Projective

Address for correspondence:

Dr. K .S. Sengar

Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology

Ranchi Institute of Neuro - Psychiatry and Allied Sciences (RINPAS), Kanke, Ranchi – 834006. (Jharkhand), INDIA.

Phone Numbers: 0651 24511001, 91 9431769001,91 9546528121

Email: kssengar2007@rediffmail.com, sengar_dr.ks_07@yahoomail.com

 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

Introduction

For over eight decades, the Rorschach Test is reining in evaluation of serious emotional disturbance (Guthrie,

1998, Irving, 1997, Weiner, 1997). Rorschach Test in which a subject’s interpretation of a series of standard

inkblot are analyzed as an indication of personality traits, preoccupations, perception, memories and conflicts.

Some sources have placed personality tests, projective techniques in particular, under scrutiny for being used in

different cultural or ethnic settings for which they were not originally intended. The Rorschach has also suffered

from critics concerning the lack of adequate norms, susceptibility to situational influences, both of which may

involve aspects of cultural diversity.

The basic theory of projective mechanism holds that the possibility and probability of people attributing their

internal characteristics to external object and event directly proportional to the lack of structure in these objects

and events. That is, the less clarity there is in a stimulus field, the less is truly resembles anything, and the fewer

will define the properties it has, the more likely it is that observer will see and define in their own terms. The fact

that projection can and does occur in the formulation of Rorschach responses but is neither inevitable nor essential

in the response process is consistent with the recognition that the instrument elicits response containing both

objective description and subjective impression. In Rorschach there is no single answer to any question.

Depending on the richness of the subject fantasy lives and their inclination to the forthcoming in revealing these

fantasies, protocol will vary in the amount of projection they involve. J.E. Exner (1989) argued that the Rorschach

should no longer classify and referred to as projective test.

Projective Personality test, such as the Rorschach frequently has been used cross culturally with varying degree of

success. Many studies suggest that particular language strongly influences the shape and form of perceptions. In

cross cultural studies on Rorschach harvested some differences in perception as a result of cultural influences

(Moon & Cyndick; 1983). Banks, (1997) maintained that cross cultural misdiagnosis and erroneous assessment

often when evaluators from a dominant cultural group test participates from a less powerful group using

instruments that originated in the dominant culture (Frank, 1994; Krall et al, 1984). Application of Rorschach test

has been explored by many researchers in various situations. A number of scoring systems has been evolved to aid

scoring, interpretation and diagnostic formulation. A comprehensive review of literature on Rorschach is indicated

that researchers are still in search of uniformity.

The validity of Exner’s comprehensive system has been overstated and claimed that the Comprehensive system

had not yet met professional standards, though the Exner’s efforts to systematize Rorschach system is laudable
1
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

(Wood, 2003). The responses of normal Indian significantly differ from the western norms given by Klopfer and

interpretation of Rorschach protocols of Indians using these norms would be fallacious and misleading

(Chaudhury et al 2006). Rorschach protocol of Indian population should be interpreted by using Indian norms.

Indian clinician and researchers strongly feel that there is need to develop Indian norms on a large population

which can help in diagnostic evaluation as well personality assessment as it differs from Beck’s finding (Singh

D.K; Singh A.; & Singh A. R.; 2004).

This study is an exclusive manoeuvre regarding score wise data presentation. This is a pilot study comprising 238

samples (130 male & 108 female) which come with some sparkling evidence. That inspires and paves the way for

greater sample size. The current perspective’s serious concern is that social and cultural situation predominantly

influences behaviour. (Boykin, 1986; Guthrie, 1998; Jones, 1991). The Rorschach test is used in various national

and international psychological studies for assessing personality and for psycho-diagnosis. There is very meagre

amount of studies conducted in this area to develop the norms needed to score and interpret the details of

Rorschach Inkblot Protocol of Indian population. Although we came across far and matching the progress with

world’s speed, still we heavily depend on western norms of the test. Simultaneously, the interpretation and

method of scoring varies from each other. This is highly influenced by the bio-psycho-socio-cultural aspects. The

cognition is developed and laden by the bio-psycho-socio-cultural factors. And perception, memory, imaginative

tendency and other aspect of the information processing of the individual is highly effected by the cognitive

appraisals of the person. The present investigation is a key – step towards further exploration of Indian norms on

Rorschach test to develop the normative data and to compare the responses of male and female subjects. In the

present study it was hypothesized that both the groups will not differ significantly on Rorschach responses.

Methods and Material

Two hundred and thirty eight normal adults (both male and female) in the age group of 20 to 30 years with the

minimum qualification of 10th standard, not having any physical or psychological illness at present or in past. The

subjects having positive family history of mental illness were excluded from the sample. Samples were drawn by

systematic random sampling technique from different areas of Delhi. Initially their consent was accorded. Each

subject was interviewed individually and demographic details were collected with the help of semi structured

socio demographic data sheet subsequently the GHQ -12 was administered to screen out the well being of the

participants. Those who scored below cut off point ≥( 2) were included in the study. The Rorschach Inkblot Test

was administered following the Beck procedure (Beck; 1961). Data was coded, entered and analyzed using SPSS

2
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

package (version 16.0) and presented in percentage. Chi-square test was used for evaluating association between

gender and socio-demographic characteristics and t test / Mann-Whitney U test was used to establish the

relationship between two genders and different variables of Rorschach. ‘P’ value for the level of significance was

calculated and the same less than o.o5 was considered.

Results

This study comprises of 238 Rorschach protocol obtained from normal Indian adults. Further they were divided

into two groups male and female. The data for each group is presented separately. The demographic data of the

subjects are presented in table one.

Table: 1 Socio-Demographic Profiles of the Participants:

Socio-demographic Characteristics Male (%) Female (%) χ2-value

Total (%) P-value
N=130 N=108 (df)
20-25 58 (54.7) 48 (45.3) 106 (100)
Age
0.001(1) 0.979
26-30 72 (54.5) 60 (45.5) 132 (100)
Married 40 (48.2) 43 (51.8) 83 (100)
Marital status 2.125 (1)
0.145
Unmarried 90 (58.1) 65 (41.9) 155 (100)
Nuclear 97 (55.7) 77 (44.3) 174 (100)
Type of family 0.331 (1)
0.565
Joint 33 (51.6) 31 (48.4) 64 (100)
Up to 10th 10 (47.6) 11 (52.4) 21 (100)

Up to 12th 19 (43.2) 25 (56.8) 44 (100)

Education
4.204 (3) 0.240
Up to graduate 65 (56.5) 50 (43.5) 115 (100)

Postgraduate & above 36 (62.1) 22 (37.9) 58 (100)

Employment Employed 75 (68.8) 34 (31.2) 109 (100)
Status
16.326 (1) 0.000*
Unemployed 55 (42.6) 74 (57.4) 129 (100)
Not doing anything 9 (37.5) 15 (62.5) 24 (100)

Occupation Student 44 (51.2) 42 (48.8) 86 (100)

8.979 0.030*
Job 49 (68.1) 23 (31.9) 72 (100)

Business / Professional 28 (50.0) 28 (50.0) 56 (100)

≤15000 20 (54.1) 17 (45.9) 37 (100)

Family income 15001-30000 87 (55.8) 69 (44.2) 156 (100) 0.311 (2) 0.856

>30000 23 (51.1) 22 (48.9) 45 (100)

As table 1 show most of the subjects falls between age group of 26 to 30. There was a slight preponderance of

male subject. Majority of the subjects of this study are Hindu, unmarried, graduate, and were either student and /

or settled with services. Table further shows that they hails from nuclear family and whose income varies from
3
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

15000-30000 per month. The chi square test was performed to measure the association between gender and

various socio demographic characteristics. It was seen that there were no significant difference found in age,

religion, marital status, family type, education, family income except employment and occupation. This difference

is apparently understandable in the contest of socio cultural structure of society where in most of the families

predominantly male members are functional and occupational head in the family

Table: 2 Gender Wise Comparison of Rorschach Variables

Male Female
N=238
Variables
Mean (SD)
n=130 n=108 P- value
Mean (SD) Mean (SD)
R 26.81 (4.92) 26.79 (4.82) 26.82 (5.07) 0.9611
W 4.17 (2.15) 4.32 (2.19) 4.0 (2.07) 0.2601
D 18.75 (4.58) 18.36 (5.09) 18.50 (4.81) 0.9831
DS 0.99 (0.92) 0.99 (0.94) 0.99 (0.91) 0.9352
Dd 1.88 (1.17) 1.74 (1.06) 2.05 (1.26) 0.0292
Dds 1.01 (0.89) 1.0 (0.89) 1.03 (0.89) 0.8112
M 3.21 (1.56) 3.25 (1.35) 3.16 (1.79) 0.6641
C sum 2.75 (1.72) 2.79 (1.64) 2.71 (1.81) 0.7491
C 0.74 (0.72) 0.79 (0.74) 0.68 (0.69) 0.2542
CF 0.85 (0.88) 0.89 (0.81) 0.81 (0.93) 0.2952
FC 1.17 (0.92) 1.12 (0.85) 1.23 (0.99) 0.5912
F+% 59.72 (6.57) 60.07 (6.94) 59.29 (6.09) 0.3601
H 3.89 (2.02) 4.09 (1.98) 3.66 (2.07) 0.0682
A+% 37.17 (12.19) 37.37 (12.85) 36.94 (11.39) 0.7891
Bt 1.35 (1.03) 1.39 (1.05) 1.29 (1.01) 0.5412
An 0.96 (1.08) 1.0 (1.21) 0.92 (0.91) 0.9042
Sx 0.63 (0.79) 0.72 (0.77) 0.53 ( 0.83) 0.0162
CI 0.93 (0.76) 0.93 (0.79) 0.94 (0.73) 0.8492
Ls 1.14 (1.07) 1.12 (0.98) 1.13 (1.08) 0.8282
BI 0.88 (0.74) 0.90 (0.74) 0.86 (0.74) 0.6522
Rl 0.81 (0.86) 0.81 (0.86) 0.81 (0.96) 0.9862
Pp 3.24 (1.31) 3.30 (1.27) 3.16 (1.36) 0.4041
1.‘t’ test is used and p < 0.05 is taken as significant.

2. Mann-Whitney ‘U’ test is used and p < 0.05 is taken as significant.

≥0.05)
Research finding of table number 2 shows that total number of R responses is statistically insignificant (P

with the gender. Whereas overall mean found 26.81 ± 4.92. The mean (SD) of total number of responses of male

and female are 26.73± 4.82, 26.79 ± 5.07 respectively.

4
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

In the table given above, the variable “Location” includes five variables i.e. W, D, Dd, Ds, and Dds. It is

imperative to note that there is average number of W responses are 4.17 ± 2.15 as whole but for male and female

separately it was found 4.32± 2.19 and 4.00± 2.01 respectively. Similarly for major details (D) as a whole score

was 18.75 ± 4.58 but when it was calculated separately for both group male and female these were 18.36 ± 5.09

for male and 18.50 ± 4.81 for the female and for the Ds responses 0.99 ± 0.92 were found for both the group

conjointly and almost the same figure was replicated for male and female group (0.99±0.94,and 0.99± 0.91)

separately too. Another important variable of location, Dd and Dds was also scored and the results show that Dd

responses for Indian population in this study were 1.88 ± 1.17 was a whole and 1.74 ± 1.06 for the male and 2.05

± 1.26 for the female. The score of Dds responses is 1.01 ± 0.89 for both the group, when it was calculated

conjointly. Almost, similar figure for male (1.0 ± 0.89) was found but slightly higher for female responders (1.03

± 0.89), was reported when it was calculated separately for both the group. However, Dd was found significantly

different at 0.05 level in both the group as it was more in female (2.05± 1.26) when compared to mean value of

male (1.74± 1.06).

The mean (SD) for other variables like W is 4.17 ± 2.15, D is 18.752 ± 4.58, Dds is 1.01 ± 0.89, Ds is o.99 ±

0.92. When given a close eye, one simply understands that the almost same mean (SD) value in all variables is

being registered by both groups.

In the determinant six variables mainly dealing with cognitions e.g. Movement (M), Pure Colour (C ),

Emotionally dominated Affectivity (CF), Affective Emotionality (FC) and affect in totality (C sum) and F + %

was scored. The result of the table shows that the overall mean value for Movement (M) is 3.21 ± 1.56 which is

ry near to overall value of male movement score 3.25 ±1.35andslightly lower score for female were 3.16

±1.79.Similarily pure colour (C) was 0.74 ± 0.72 but mean value for pure colour responses were found 0.79 ± 0.74

and 0.68 ± 0.69 respectively for male and female groups. The table further shows the overall scores of CF and FC

were 0.85 ± 0.88 and 1.17 ± 0.92 respectively. The male group’s score was 0.89 ± 0.81and 1.12 ± 0.85 for CF and

FC. Whereas 0.81 ± 0.93, 1.23 ± 0.99 scores were found for female group in the area of colour dominated form

and form dominated colour when it was calculated separately for both the group. The F+% for male group was

60.07 ± 6.94 and for female group 59.29 ± 6.09 but when both group were combined almost similar scores were

5
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

reported (59.72 ± 6.75). None of the above indices were found significantly different between the male and female

group.

In the area of content only nine category of contents namely Human (H), Animal (A), Botany (Bt), Anatomy (An),

Sex (Sex), Cloud (Cl), Landscape (Ls), Blood (Bl), and Religion (Rl) were included in the present study. The

findings presented in the table number 2 reflect that overall mean value for human (H) responses was 3.89 ± 2.02.

In Animal (A) response category ‘Animal Percentage’ was calculated whose value was 37.17 ± 12.19. The mean

value for Botany (Bt), Anatomy (An), and Sex responses 1.35 ± 1.03, 0.96 ± 1.08, and 0.93 ± 0.76 respectively.

Similarly for other variables of content like cloud, Landscape (Ls), Blood (Bl) and Religion (Rl), the finding in

this study are 0.93 ± 0.76, 1.14 ± 1.07, 0.88 ± 0.74, and 0.81 ± 0.86 and male’s group scores were 4.09 ± 1.98 for

Human Responses, 37.37 ± 12.85, Animal Percentage, 1.39 ± 1.05, Botanical Response (Bt), and 1.00 ± 1.21

Anatomical Responses (An) were found. Male’s mean value for cloud responses 0.93 ± 0.79, Landscape 1.12 ±

0.98, Blood (Bl) 0.90 ± 0.090 and Religion (Rl) 0.89 ± 0.86 was found.

The mean score of female for the Human (H) responses 3.66 ± 2.07, Animal percentage (A + %) 36.94 ± 11.39,

Botanical (Bt) responses 1.29 ± 1.01, Anatomical responses (An) 0. 92 ± 0.91, Sex responses 0.53 ± 0.83 Cloud

responses (Cl) 0.94 ± 0.73 Landscape 1.13 ± 1.08, Blood (Bl) responses 0.86 ± 0.74 and Religion (Rl) responses

0.81 ± 0.96 were found.

Scores for the Popular (P) responses, overall value was 3.24± 1.31. Almost similar value for the male and female

were recorded i.e. 3.30 ± 1.27 and 3.16 ± 1.36 respectively.

Discussion

The personality assessment is very sensitive and difficult issue. Beck utilized 19 pages of Rorschach test volume

III published in 1952 to present his conception of personality. Harriman, seriously criticized Beck for failing to

conceptualize the appropriate interpretation of personality in his 1945 volume. Beck aligns himself with the

theoretical construct of three basic schools of thoughts. The first is represented by Hughlings Jackson in the field

of neurology. Which in scoring, is cross sectionally representing the present outcome of stress between the higher

activity and lower one. The second is the Freudian psychoanalytic movements which focuses the interaction

between ego and id and third, is the Gestalt psychology of Levin. This interpretation is inherent in the quantitative

ratios obtaining between F+, C-Y, M, W-Z against one another in one multi dimensional set of operation.

6
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

The various clinical manifestation of the individual is interestingly intelligible. There are the characteristics of the

person which makes everyone distinct from other in the means of their behaviour, attitude and emotions. The

Rorschach test undertakes to test the whole human personality and provide four sets of data. (i) The psychological

structures (ii) Current functioning (iii) The adaptive solution of the person of his life problems and (iv) The

information as to premorbid events.

The present study is an effort to generate the newer / normative data, suitable for Indian population and which can

significantly contribute on existing knowledge in the area of Projective Psychology. Further the findings of the

study can also be helpful for clinicians, researchers, faculty members and students to understand the pathological

phenomenon and general well being of Indian community by using the appropriate norms of Rorschach protocol.

The existing knowledge in the area and present manual being used for the scoring and interpretation is something

which does not help/ suit to find out the accurate response pattern in its index and professional are compelled to

score these indices in some other category by utilising their own mind set, which, in fact, they may not be

qualifying and by this one can comfortably avoid the subjectivity in scoring and interpretation as well of the

individual. In view of the extraordinary cultural diversity and variability in the social structure and values the

cognition of the individual is also influenced and this variability affects the affectivity and feelings of the

individuals. The perception arises from the fact that the sensation or group of sensation emphasize memory

pictures of former group of sensation within us. In perception, therefore, one has three process sensation, memory

and association. The identification of homogeneous group of sensation with personally acquired analogous

complexes; together with all their connections we designate apperceptions. Most interpretations of the individual

determined by his perception and memory both in normal and abnormal subjects. In projective tests like ink blot

the subject searches among his visual memories for that on which most closely resemble the entire figure or one

of its details.

In the present study the Rorschach original technique, subject sitting in front of the examiner was adopted. Proper

instructions as per Beck’s procedure were detailed to the subject. The timing of the responses was noted with the

help of silent stop watch. After free association cards were taken back and finally enquiry was conducted after

completion of the administration of all the ten Rorschach Ink Blot cards. Subsequently the location was marked on

the location chart through collecting the information from the subjects and further shape, colour including white

space, movement and contents details and popular were recorded. The focus especially give not to deviate from

the standard procedure of administration and enquiry followed, denoted by Beck in his procedure/ testing manual,

volume Ist.

7
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

The productivity on the Rorschach protocol had been remained prime concern of the clinicians and researchers

since its inception. Rorschach holds that an average of less than one response per card is inadequate and not useful

for diagnostic purposes. However, it is possible to etch out the personality picture of the individuals from some

record of only of these ten responses but the Beck had not accorded his agreeableness with such concept and less

than fifteen scorable associations is considered in adequate for diagnostic purposes. Though, his average number

of responses for normal protocol are; 32.65. In the present study this figures 26.81 ± 4.89 which is slightly lower

than the Beck norms and also not consistent with previous studies conducted in this area. The total number of

responses in this study is lower than the findings of Asthana (1963; 1971), Prabhu (1967) and Beck (1961) but

higher than Kumar (1961), Singh (2004) and Chaudhury (2006).. The productivity on the Rorschach is one

important variable which also reflects the intellectual endowment of the individual’s. This slight lowered trend of

total number of responses / productivity in the present study might have been influenced by the socio cultural

background. Results further indicate that the females are out number productive than males suggestive that they

have been found more imaginative in comparison to their male counterpart

Beck suggested that the protocol should be approached from both the qualitative and quantitative aspect. Beck

indicated that W responses are related to intellectual potential. He suggested that the average length protocol of 30

responses should contain 6 W, 20 D and 4 Dd. Rorschach (1921) originally believed that the Whole responses

reflect as index in the person’s ability to organise, analyse, synthesise the concept and integrate his environment.

He regarded the Whole responses is the key stone of intellectual functioning and potential of intellectual

projection too. The present investigation reveals the lesser mean value 4.32 ±2.15 of W responses than Beck

(5.50) reasonably sound that both culture nurture and shape the people’s thought and ideology in different form

which might be contributing in their thought pattern. Results of the study further aggrieved by no standard mean

(SD) value from previous researchers as results of the most of the studies conducted in past in this area were

emphasising the percentage. Moreover, findings of the study prevails no significant difference between both

groups.

The detail response (D) was interpreted as representing sense of clear recognition of crude fact rather than a drive

for daring combination, or a sense for unusual aspects of nuances. The D is considered to the “common sense

approach to the life”. It represents the practical, everyday common sense application of intelligence, an interest in

the presented obvious fact which deals with the stress tolerance, tackling stressful situation successfully in the life

of the individual. The D score of the sample of this is also little lower, 18.36 ± 5.09 than the original Beck norms

8
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

22.85. The lower proportion of D responses indicates that the person lacks recognition of everyday problems or

factor, is unable to differentiate between the obvious facts. Once again the lower pattern of D responses in Indian

population reflects the more united psychosocial comfort and community bindings which help the individual to

face the life challenges in comparison to fast, stressful and more competitive unrestful life style of western

community. The Dd responses were interpreted by Rorschach, to imply critical attitude in healthy manner, if

maintained in adequate proportion to other location scores. Over emphasis of Dd might suggest hypercriticality or

even obsessiveness. Over emphasis of Dd responses also suggest an insecurity against which the individual

defends himself by clinging to limited areas of certainty for fear of losing his bearings while under emphasis is

suggestive of low level of interests in the minutia of his experience. Here once again the value of Dd responses is

1.88±1.74 reported lower than the Beck original scores of 3.02. Here the significant difference has been found

between male and female group in Dd category and the females have been found significantly higher than males.

In our country, the women are mostly still living in traditional family systems. Traditional family system is a

system where the rights of the women have been abused and whether it is possible/ appropriate to women to adapt

to such situation of rapidly growing / changing society of the world. This over emphasis on Dd response might

have resulted from such reason.

Although, the considerations for the gender and age has not been given much emphasis on Rorschach

interpretation. Rorschach variables identify the same personality characteristics in the same way for male and

females alike. Although, the interpretation process accordingly does not vary with a subject’s gender, gender

related issues and concern can affect the implication of certain personality characteristics identified by Rorschach

data. Similarly Rorschach examiners working with subjects of different age group need to learn only one set of

interpretative hypothesis because Rorschach responses have similar implications for personality characteristics

whatever the subject’s age. Heightened concern about the normal aging process among subjects at midlife often

includes worries about declining potency in men and about loss of children bearing capacity and attractiveness in

women and these worries may lead the interpretative biases.

In the determinant category F+%, M, C, CF and FC was considered for the study. The most interpretations are

determined by the form of the blot. These are called good form or poor form. In Rorschach interpretation of F+%

is perceived as the most reliable index of the conscious control and respect for reality / Ego (functioning). This is

conceptualized basing on the psychoanalytic theory. Psychological adjustment is enhanced with individual

capacities to view themselves in favourable ways that maintain adequate self esteem and promote positive self

9
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

regard. Feeling satisfied with the characteristics they recognize in themselves gives people a sense of well being

and brings pleasure into their lives. People also benefit from being able to view themselves in thorough ways that

enhance self awareness and contribute to stable sense of their identity consistent with this formulation. The

purposes of good adjustment are several when people can maintain a adequate level of self esteem that steers a

broad middle ground between self denigration and self glorification. Adequate self esteem promote self

acceptance and self respect, self respect and self confidence based on realistic appraisals of individuals

capabilities and contribute to their feelings generally satisfied with themselves and their actions. Individuals with

adequate self esteem (F+%) have ability to not underrate their attractiveness to other people or their abilities to

succeed in various undertaking, and thereby become displaced with themselves and their efforts; and they do not

overrate how appealing and talented they are, and thereby become enchanted with themselves and what they have

done. The average F+% for healthy persons is critically minimum at 60%. Findings of the present study are

consistent with the above value. However, these findings (59.72±6.57) are lower than the Beck mean value of

F+% 79.25 as well as findings of some Indian studies (Asthana 1963, Kumar 1996) and higher than Singh et al

(2004) and D’ Netio (1974).

Cognitive and emotional repertoires of individuals are rooted in their social context. M associations are

concerning the fantasy activity of the individual. The movement in the Rorschach protocol is considered

conversions of emotionality and it is the phenomena of “internalization” (Rorschach; 1942).. The emotions the

person prefers to contain internally, thereby converting them in some manner. Neurotic converts these emotions in

day dreams, psychotic into autistic living, and healthy adults into more acceptable sublimated manner. The normal

mean score for M is 3.21± 1.56 which is consistent to Beck findings of 3.50. The findings of our study is

consistent with the findings of Asthana, (1963), & Prabhu (1967)

Beck interpreted colour responses as an index of affect using Rorschach hypothesis as the nucleus of his

interpretation. He suggested the pure C response occurs in the adult, it indicate the existence of governable

impulse and rages amounting in some instance movementary psychotic episode in which there is a schism

between affect and intelligence. Pure colour responses are noted to absence of impulse delay and represent a

general disruption of harmonious perception of and association process. The mean score for the colour responses

in present study is 0.74 ± 0.72 which is slightly higher than mean value of Beck scores (0.49) similarly for FC and

CF reposes mean score of the present study are 1.17 ± 0.92 and 0.85 ± 0.88 respectively in contrast to Beck mean

value for FC 1.36 and CF 1.44. The findings of present study (mean value of colour responses) are also higher

10
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

than findings of Singh et al (2004). Beck also expands his interpretation of white space response and preferred to

convert into percentage rather than the actual number. The overall mean value of white space (Ds and Dds)

responses in the present study is 2.00 which is slightly more than Beck norms of 1.90 (Adult mean). Here, in spite

of calculating percentage the mean value of actual number has been considered. C sum score for the Indian

population in this study is 2.75 ± 1.72 in contrast to Beck findings 3.11.

The associational content has another significant contribution. How the projection has been structured and how

theme is significant. Two major aspect of the content has got the importance in the interpretation of the Rorschach

responses. One is the range of content another is the type of the content. For example the whole human percept

and the ratio of part human (H: Hd). The former goes with liberated intelligence and the later tells us the

functional restriction affected by anxiety. The ratio between two is a measure of individual in inhibition or

freedom. The broader range of content are specially characterized content suggest the person’s versatility of the

mind and enriched conceptualization ability. It tells the ability to translate his knowledge, curiosity and

opportunity into achievement productive into world at large. Whereas narrow content project the person whose

vision is channelized, horizon lowered. It is apparent that the person is handling his life affaires level inferior to

his capacity. Content categories are generally considered to contain information relating to a person’s need,

preoccupation, and social interaction. Initially, it was not included in the interpretation of Rorschach protocol. In

1942 a brief section was included concerning the variations of content suggesting that subject of a higher

intellectual potential should not produce more than 50% animal responses and that as a rule animal, human,

geography and a few plants and object content would be typical in great majority of record. Basing on the careful

analysis of breadth and depth of content more than 25% responses are needed to outside from four category (H,

Hd, A and Ad) could be an additive indicator of higher intellectual functioning.

The Human responses indicate potential for good relations and every human being develops age appropriate

human relationship. The adequate empathic capacity makes an important combination to good social and

interpersonal adjustment, the capacity to identify real people and the likelihood on having done so reflected in the

Rorschach by the interpersonal interest variable (Human response, H). People live in an interpersonal world attest

the vital role of company and companion ship keeping one’s peace of mind of well being and identity formation.

The excess H responses suggest not only the deficiencies in identification but also maladaptive extent of social

discomfort Imbalance in human content typically experience uneasiness in dealing with people who real, live and

fully functional. The mean value for H response in present study is 3.89 ± 2.02 which is lower than value quoted

11
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

by Beck 4,02 and also findings of Chaudhury et al (2006). In the present study no significant difference was found

between male and female groups on human responses. However, the males were found more empathetic than

females as mean (SD) value is slightly higher in males.

Beck (1952) indicated that in Rorschach interpretation of the Animal content and popular responses are the basic

indices for understanding the obvious aspect of adaptive thinking and the most concrete features of reality testing

too. In the present study the A% is 37.17 ± 12.19 in contrast to Beck normative sample yielded a mean A% of

46.65 with a range from 35 – 65 percent. The findings do not show any significant difference between two

genders on animal responses because production of an animal association is not logically linked with age and

gender. Low number of animal responses by Indian adults on Rorschach protocol proves that personality get

influenced by its own socio-cultural background. Findings are in agreement with Pandey, Tripathi & Tripathi

(2001) but lesser than Chaudhury’s findings (2006). However, total score range in various Indian studies recorded

from 11.54% to 82.35% but majority falls on 20 to 40 percent.

Anatomy responses mainly reflect preoccupation with multiple somatic complaints of the individual. The Findings

on Anatomy response category, 0.96 ± 1.08 are also lesser than Beck norms (1.55). The total score range of Indian

adults lies between 0 -7 but vast majority falls at 0 & 3.

Sex responses can provide a many clue as to how people regard their own sexuality, their sexual functioning and

their sexual interaction with others. Statistically significant difference found between genders on Sex responses

with the mean value of 0.63 ± 0.79 shows the glimpse of Indian conservative and orthodox mindset about least

discussed such topic of sex and sexuality. Another interesting fact was revealed by the responders that score 0 was

the best preferred option to choose by both groups; surprisingly females are at high with no response reflect their

inhibitory behaviour and cultural restrictions imposed on such issues to discussed openly because sex is always

considered the matter of celibacy. However score 1 gain some positive response by males while females still

constant with its less percentage. It suggests that the males are more open and having more concern on such topic

than females. Contrastingly, present findings are less than Chaudhury’s findings (2006).Whereas Botany (1.35 ±

1.39), Blood (o.88± 0.74) and Cloud (0.93± 0.76) responses are not statistically differed with gender. The

religious responses are considered as safeguard from stressors, tension and fears. The ego is looking to the interest

of psychologic organism as a whole. The mean value for religion responses in the present study is 0.81± 0.86.

12
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

Popular response reflects the ability to participate in popular thinking within a specific cultures or individual’s

thinking to that of the group or degree of similarity to most people, the extent to which they confirm to social

standards. In present study, score 2, 3 & 4 are most preferred option by both group. The mean of P response is

3.24± 1.31 which is much less than the Beck Norms (7). No significant difference is found with gender. Findings

of the present study are in agreement with Chaudhury et al (2006). Again the socio cultural fabric played a pivotal

role in displaying the disparity among two different norms. Interestingly our study opens some new avenues to

rethink about the popular responses in context of the culture. In our protocol some new and exciting frame of

popular responses pertaining to Indian religion and mythology has been elicited. Like on card-I the most frequent

perceived picture is a man offering ‘Namaz’ D2. On card–II ‘Dome’, ‘Temple, Shivalinga on Ds 5 and offering

Prayers located at some newer area including D4 was perceived. Lord ‘Ganesha’ was commonly perceived on

card – VIII. ‘Temple (Ds 8) and Doing mediation by sage’ is frequent perception on card – IX.

The question of validity and reliability of the projective techniques has always been remain a matter of debate.

Since its inception the Rorschach Test has also faced a lot of critical views targeting its reliability and validity. It

has been held by some that projective techniques should not be uses until their validity has been demonstrated.

The projective techniques are used as a test of personality and manifest a number of similarities to other

psychological test but the difference are crucial enough to recommend that projective techniques be considered as

important method of assessment of personality. The Rorschach is holistic rather than atomistic. The interpretation

of the Rorschach is only based on response rather clinical experience and great deal of highly differential

perception of the examiner has also contributed to the analysis. The final interpretation, however, is in the form of

dynamic sketch of the way of the personality functions. The interpretation forms a highly integrated and

articulated whole.

Conclusion

Rorschach is one among the group of personality assessment instrument known as projective. Projective tests are

psycho diagnostic instruments in which some degree of ambiguity promotes to subject to projects their underlying

needs and attitude in the responses they give. Rorschach functions are a measure of perceptions and a measure of

association. The most responses of Rorschach are joint product of perceptual and associational process which is

highly shaped by bio-psycho-social and cultural aspect of the individuals. Considering this fact it becomes

inevitable to develop the norms dealing the cultural and psychosocial arena of the individual. The present study

gives an entirely different picture of norms in different variables when it is being compared to other western

13
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

norms. The findings of the study came out with heralding responses on religious content, which were never

possible to analyse and interpret those responses by pursuing western norms. It could happen that some more

variables may take an extra-shape and justify their responses with sound evidence. There is no hesitation and too,

late to develop such a norm on large population which is exclusively based on Indian socio-culture for bona-fide

assessment of personality and psycho-diagnosis and psychotherapeutic purpose.

References:
Asthana, H. S. (1963). A Rorschach Study of the Indians. Rorschachiana; 45:8;283-286.

Banks, J. A. & Banks, C. A. (1997). Multicultural education: Issues and perspectives (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Allyn &
Bacon.
Beck, S.J. (1942), Psycho diagnostics. Bern: Bircher (Transl. Hans Huber, Verley, 1942). The original work
published in 1921.
Beck, S.J. (1952) Rorschach Test Vol. III. Advances in Interpretation. Grun & Stratton 1952, New York.

Beck, S. J., Beck, A., (1961). Rorschach’s test 1: Basic processes (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Grune and Stratton.

Boykin, A. W. (1985). Black child socialization: A conceptual framework. In H. P.

Chaudhury, S.(2006). Norms of the Rorschach Test for Indian Subjects. MJAFI; 62:153-160.

D’Netto, T.B. Kishore, R& Ruggo, R.K. (1974). Analysis of Rorschach Response of Normal Army Personnel. J. of
Clinical Psychology. 2; 87-92.

Exner Jr, J.E. (`1989) The search for projection. Journal of Personality Assessment. 53, 520-536.

Frank, G. (1994b). Socioeconomic states and the Rorschach. Psychological Reports,74, 95-98.

Guthrie, R. V. (1998). Even the rat was white: A historical view of psychology (2nd ed.). Needham Heights, MA.
Allyn & Bacon.
Irving, B. W. (1997). Current status of the Rorschach inkblot method. Journal of Personality Assessment 68: 5-19.
Jones, J. M. (1991). Politics of personality: Being Black in America. In Reginald Jones (Ed). Black Psychology.
Hampton University, Hampton, VA: Cobb & Henry Publishers.
Krall, V.; Sachs, H.; Lazar, B.; Rayson, B.; Growe, G.; Novar, L.; & O’Connell, L.(1984). Rorschach norms for
inner city children. Journal of Personality Assessment, 47, 155-156.
Kumar, P. (1961). Rorschach Test in Psycho neurotics and Normal Groups. Indian J. of Psychology. 36; 169-172.

Lewin K. (1951) Field Theory in Social Sciences. Selected theoretical papers. Edited by Darwin Cartwright. New
York Harper

Moon, T. I. & Cyndick, B. P. (1983). Shifts and constancies in Rorschach responses as a function of culture and
language. Journal of Personality Assessment, 47, 345-349.

14
 SIS. J. Proj. Psy. & Mental health (2010) 17:2 180-186

Pandey. R, Tripathi,V.R.M.,& Tripathi,S .(2001). Age related changes in SIS-II Response Content. SIS J. of
Projective Psychology & Ment. Health. 8; 35-40.
Prabhu, G.G. (1967). The Rorschach Techniques with Normal Adults Indians. Indian Psychological Review.97, 106.
Rorschach, H. (1921). Psychodiagnostic, New York: Grune & Stratton.
Singh, D.K, Singh A, & Singh A. R. (2004). Relevance of Beck Norms of Rorschach Inkblot Technique on Indian
Population-an Exploratory Pilot Study on Normal Subjects ; SIS J. Proj.Psy.& Ment. Health 12; 49-52.
Weiner, I. B. (1997). Current status of the Rorschach Inkblot Method. Journal of Personality Assessment, 68 (1), 5-
19.
Wood, J. M.; Nezworski, T. M., Lilienfeld, S. O., & Garb, H. N. (2003). What’s Wrong with the Rorschach?
Science confronts the controversial inkblot test. New York, NY: Willey.

15

View publication stats