Psychoanalytic Interpretation in Rorschach Testing: Theory and Application

The plan of this volume is the following: 1) to analyze the major dynamics of test situation and the interpersonal tester-patient relationship, and to cast this analysis in contemporary Freudian concepts (ego vs. id and superego). This ego-oriented analysis will deal with many realistic and unrealistic psychological constants in the interpersonal test relationship as well as with problems raised by the individual personality problems of tester and patient; With this study of reality, conflict and defense in the testing situation as a necessary background for the subsequent discussion of Rorschach theory and interpretation, the book will then cover an extended analysis if the response process. Here the author explores preconscious and unconscious as well as conscious processes involved in Rorschach responses. This rationale relies heavily on Rapaport's analysis of thought processes and Schachtel's elaboration of the motivational and affective forces behind these responses. it also depends greatly on Freud's analysis of dreams and Kris's psychoanalytic contributions to the psychology creativity. The second major section of the book is a detailed study of the interplay of impulses, defenses, and adaptive strivings in test responses, especially the defenses.