Rorschach Tests as a Diagnostic Tool in Adoption Studies

Abstract

The Rorschach test appears to be decidedly useful as a diagnostic tool. The test interpretations supply a concise picture of the individuals’ outstanding personality characteristics and the underlying dynamics of behavior. Adoption studies are completed with far greater understanding and certainty on the part of the caseworker than when subjective evaluation alone is relied upon.

The most important factor to be looked for in adoption applicants is the ability to relate to other people. Not only does the inability to relate to others indicate a poor adoption risk, but it would also raise serious question as to the accessibility of the person to treatment or modification of personality trends during a period of supervision.

Another area in which the Rorschach gives specific evidence difficult to obtain in the interview is that related to the individuals’ feelings of security and adequacy. In studying interview and test material there appears to be a dearth of evidence in the former and a wealth of findings in the latter as to the way in which individuals use their inner resources to maintain themselves.

The Rorschach test is a valuable tool in pointing up defenses and in revealing the ego strengths of the individual who must deal with these problems. The projective test is also of great value in indicating marked deviations and emotional disturbances, particularly in the psychosexual sphere, which might have a destructive influence on the child. The test findings can help define the extent to which the individual accepts his own femininity or masculinity.

The use of Rorschach tests is not a substitute for skilled casework, and, in fact, should only be used where such workers are available. The test itself is of value only when it is conducted by a highly trained and experienced Rorschach expert and when a psychiatrist is available for consultation.

The trend in adoption practice is toward placement of babies soon after birth when this plan appears sound so far as the natural mother is concerned. This implies additional risk as well as additional satisfaction for adoptive parents. It insures more security for a child. In view of this trend agencies are faced with the need to select couples with maximum surety as to their potentialities as parents. This use of Rorschach tests as a diagnostic tool is a step in that direction. Its results so far point to many other areas for research. Perhaps the findings of such additional research projects are the only means of proving the soundness of the study process used in this experiment.