The use of the Rorschach Inkblot Technique in the detection and diagnosis of child sexual abuse

In order to better determine the utility of the Rorschach Inkblot Technique (Rorschach, 1942) in detecting and diagnosing child sexual abuse, the Rorschach protocols of 46 sexually abused, residentially placed children were compared to those of 51 non-sexually abused, residentially placed children....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author Black, Erica Merrill
Format Dissertation
LanguageEnglish
Published ProQuest Dissertations & Theses 01.01.2002
Subjects
Child abuse & neglect
Clinical psychology
Criminology
Medical diagnosis
Psychological tests
Psychotherapy
Quantitative psychology
Sex crimes
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Summary:In order to better determine the utility of the Rorschach Inkblot Technique (Rorschach, 1942) in detecting and diagnosing child sexual abuse, the Rorschach protocols of 46 sexually abused, residentially placed children were compared to those of 51 non-sexually abused, residentially placed children. Rorschachs were scored using the Exner Comprehensive System (Exner, 1995). Study data were also compared to the Exner normative data for children. The Exner Comprehensive System variables examined were: ego functioning (F+%, X−%, WSUMSPEC6), affective function and adaptive coping, (DEPI, S, D, ADJD), interpersonal engagement (HC, ISOL), bodily concerns (XY, AN, SX), and interpersonal distrust (HVI). Only the Hypervigilence Index (HVI) and the Isolation Index (ISOL) differed between the abused and non-abused groups. The results provided limited support for previous studies suggesting that the Rorschach can differentiate between sexually abused and non-sexually abused children. In conclusion, considerable caution should be used when employing the Rorschach to evaluate child sexual abuse.
ISBN:049389019X
9780493890197