White space interpretation in Hermann Rorschach’s inkblot test

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: The interpretation of white space in the Rorschach test has not been clearly defined. The aim of my research was to analyze the psychological meanings that can be associated with using space in Rorschach test responses. I examined a sample of healthy individuals in order to establish the basic meanings that could serve as points of reference when interpreting ill people’s responses. Material and method: I personally examined 158 healthy subjects with the Rorschach test. The examination procedure and the way of coding and interpreting responses were based on John Exner’s Comprehensive System. I divided the sample into three groups: I (no S responses), II (one or two S responses), and III (three or more S responses). Next, I distinguished subgroup V (four or more S responses). I analyzed the differences between the groups in terms of other variables obtained in the examination using the Rorschach test. These variables were associated with using the complexity of the presented stimuli and with organizing the stimulus field; they were also associated with the emotional sphere, social adjustment, and ways of coping with stress. Results: Group III differed from groups II and I in terms of nine variables, and differences regarding further four variables approached significance. Differences between group V and the remaining examinees were more marked and concerned 14 variables. Discussion: Examinees with more S responses were better at using the complexity of stimuli and organizing the stimulus field. A certain characteristic feature of their emotional sphere also manifested itself: these people experienced situational stress more strongly, colored their responses with aggression, and more frequently experienced loneliness and alienation; intellectualization turned out to be their typical defense mechanism. Conclusions: Based on the collected material, it can be concluded that responses are related to examinees’ creative potential. Collected from healthy individuals, the material may facilitate the interpretation of ill people’s responses, especially as such research has not been conducted in a Polish population before.