Convergence in a multi‐method study between Rorschach and self‐report data of traumatized refugees assessed before and after psychotherapy

Abstract

AbstractRorschach and self‐report instruments represent methodologically different types of assessment, which together may yield incremental information about the test‐taker. There is little evidence on whether and when results from these methods converge.ObjectiveTo examine possible convergences between Rorschach trauma‐related personality variables and self‐reported variables.MethodBefore and after psychotherapy 22 traumatized adult refugee patients were assessed with the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R‐PAS), symptom checklists of posttraumatic stress, anxiety and depression, and a quality of life questionnaire. Correlational analyses between eight R‐PAS variables and 10 self‐reported variables were performed.ResultsThe findings showed inconsistent and nonsignificant correlations pretherapy. Posttherapy, however, all R‐PAS variables except Complexity correlated positively with symptoms of mental disorder, and negatively with the quality of life variables, as predicted. The R‐PAS variables Mutuality of Autonomy‐Pathology, Poor Human Representation, Critical Content, and Form Quality‐minus%, converged significantly with most of the self‐reported variables, with medium to large correlations.ConclusionThe finding of convergence only after psychotherapy, may tentatively suggest greater self‐knowledge and internal consistency through the therapy experience, and increased trust and self‐disclosure through the repeated meetings with the researchers. The findings represent a promising contribution to a cumulative validation process of convergence between Rorschach and self‐report data.