Projective personality assessment in child custody evaluations

Abstract

This chapter reviews the utilization of projective personality tests in custody cases, including the frequency in which various projective tests are employed, as well as the reliability and validity of these instruments. There is a particular emphasis on the Rorschach Inkblot Methodology (RIM) and the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS) and empirical evidence supporting the utility of this instrument. Specific RIM ratios and percentages are examined for their usefulness in custody evaluations. Furthermore, a literature review of the RIM in forensic evaluations and custody cases is presented. Strengths and weaknesses of the RIM are also addressed. In addition, other projective tests, including the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), various figure drawings (Draw-A-Person, House-Tree-Person, Kinetic Family Drawing and Draw-A-Person-in-the-Rain) and Incomplete Sentences/Sentence Completion test are examined for their utility in custody evaluations, as well as their reliability and validity.