Some Comments on the Importance of Comparative Group Data for Interpreting Rorschach Findings.

The Rorschach (RIM) provides information beyond what one gathers from self-report measures. In addition to CS data, psychoanalytic theory has led to several valid and reliable supplemental Rorschach scoring systems. When integrated, CS and supplemental RIM data increases the conceptual understanding of a patient or group, allowing for highly nuanced insights into personality functioning. In order to interpret Rorschach data one must understand that, for the most part 1) Rorschach variables measure traits (dimensions) not diagnosis (categories), that 2) the degree of pathology or health represented by a variable is determined in relationship to comparative group data, such as non-patients, and assessed within the context of the entire protocol or protocols (for group data), and, 3), confirming the presence or absence of a trait within a given sample necessitates a comparison to other relevant groups both those that contain threshold quantities of the identified trait, and those "absence" the trait. Throughout this article we underscore the essential contribution of a nomothetic context (using comparative CS data) for anchoring Rorschach interpretation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]