On the Validity of Hypotheses Derived from the Rorschach: III. The Relationship between Shading and Anxiety

Abstract

Research was reviewed in an attempt to assess the validity of the hypothesis that shading on the Rorschach is related to anxiety. This research turned out to be replete with inconsistent and contradictory findings. The reasons for this are discussed. However, as a consequence of the kind of research that has been conducted in this area, we are unable to draw any conclusions except that we need more research. The methodological and epistemological issues in this research are discussed with the hope of providing some direction for that new research by correcting for the errors in the research done to date.