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

Abstract

Rorschach 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. Objective: To examine possible convergences between Rorschach trauma-related personality variables and self-reported variables. Method: Before 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. Results: The 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. Conclusion: The 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.