Adolescence, aggressiveness, expressive style. Theoretical reflections illustrated by means of the Rorschach test

Abstract

Background: The symbolic and imaginary elaboration of internal aggressiveness, as well as of coexisting anxiety, has a very important function in the identity quest of middle adolescence. Various theoretical approaches underline the differences between sound aggressiveness, in the sense of self-assertion, and blind violence, be it directed against oneself or the other. We present the theoretical perspectives of psychoanalysis and Ego Psychology, of the humanistic school, of the sociologic and systemic tradition, and of the cognitive and developmental comprehension of identity quest and elaboration of aggressive drives in adolescence. According to clinical experience and research results, the Rorschach test can be a well-suited tool for the study of orientation and mode of elaboration of internal violence. Methods: We present a comparative study of 3 clinical subgroups of adolescents characterized by anxiety, conduct disorders or suicidal behavior (total N = 60), based on the analysis of their Rorschach protocols. The study comprehends the quantitative comparison of the psycho grams, using non-parametric statistical procedures, and a detailed qualitative analysis of the expressive style in the 3 subgroups. The stylistic and expressive specificities of each subgroup are illustrated with the help of contrasted clinical vignettes. Results: The quantitative analysis showed that, for the most important indicators, the subgroup characterized by suicidal attempts is located between the subgroups characterized by anxiety and conduct disorders, with the exception of the form %, where suicidal subjects do not distinguish themselves from the subgroup of anxious adolescents. The qualitative analysis allowed analyzing typical configurations of adjustment to the aggressive drive in the responses with human and animal content. The specificities of expression in the three clinical subgroups indicated new perspectives for their psychotherapeutic follow-up. Conclusion: Some innovative tracks for diagnostic research, as well as for the evaluation of psychotherapies, come out of this study.