Projective Techniques: An International Perspective

Abstract

This is a review of findings from four recent surveys on use of clinical tests in the United States, The Netherlands, Japan, and Hong Kong. The preliminary analysis indicates that projective techniques are popular in the assessment of personality worldwide. Obviously, projective tests are ‘universal’ in that unstructured stimuli serve as the basis for assessment and do not pose a language barrier. Also, reliance on projective methods may reflect problems in access to adequately translated and standardized objective tests. More data are needed from developed countries before firm conclusions on the international status of projective techniques can be affirmed.