Color Projection in the Rorschach Test

Abstract

Abstract. The purpose of this study was to examine the basic features of Color Projection (CP). This study examined how CP appeared in relation to card, position, location, development quality, form quality, determinants, contents, special scores, and projected colors. Japanese adult psychiatric patients participated in the study. A total of 68 CP responses in 37 protocols were collected from over 1,500 Rorschach protocols. The results indicated that almost 60% of CP were in response to Card I or VI, which suggests that CP may be an initial shock reaction to achromatic colors and shading. Moreover, almost all CP were shown with the card in the original position, and more than half of CP were shown with W and DQo. This suggests that coping strategies when using CP may consist of changing recognitions rather than changing behaviors. On the other hand, these results also show that almost 30% of CP responses were scored MOR, and some CP responses were changed to colors that are generally considered to be less beautiful or undesirable in Japan. Therefore, in conclusion, it is possible that the current interpretive hypothesis of denial of unpleasant feelings may not be characteristic of all CP responses.