A doctor may rely on many tools when making a psychological diagnosis. The Rorschach test is one of the most famous. Often portrayed in popular culture as a means of understanding a person’s internal motives or desires, this test, also known more simply as an inkblot test, has its share of critics in the field of psychology. But is the Rorschach test valid? Here’s what you should know.

Understanding the Rorschach Test

In 1921, Swiss psychoanalyst Hermann Rorschach introduced the inkblot test to the world. Inspired by his lifelong fascination with inkblots, Rorschach implemented them in his psychiatric practice, ultimately discovering that patients with schizophrenia tended to respond to the images differently than patients with other diagnoses. The phenomenon prompted Rorschach to wonder if inkblots could be used as diagnostic tools for mental disorders, and he set to work developing a methodical approach to this new test.

Officially, the Rorschach test consists of 10 inkblots printed on white cards, some black and gray, some multicolored. Examiners present patients with each card one at a time, and the patient verbally interprets the image. The examiner records the response for each image and may run through the cards a second time, asking questions to clarify what the patient sees.

From there, the examiner scores the patient’s responses based on a variety of factors. These include whether the patient sees human or animal shapes, whether they describe commonly interpreted details of each blot and how quickly the patient’s interpretation is made. The examiner uses these scores, along with any other behavior observed during the test, to identify aspects of the patient’s personality. For example, a quick interpretation might indicate a patient is relatively comfortable in social situations, while atypical interpretations may indicate abnormal thought patterns.

But what is the Rorschach test used for? Psychologists can use it to glean more information about a patient’s personality, thought patterns and emotional state. This data can help professionals determine which direction subsequent discussions and treatment should take. Though it was originally used solely to detect schizophrenia, the test’s scoring model has been extended to aid examiners in diagnosing a variety of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder.

Is the Rorschach Test Valid?

Despite the Rorschach test’s status as one of the most widely recognized psychology tools, it has its share of critics in the field. Several controversial aspects of the test have kept it from becoming a method used by providers universally. Some criticisms stem from the nature of the scoring system, while others call into question its use as a diagnostic tool.

Before 1970, practitioners struggled to adopt a single system for scoring Rorschach test interpretations. Professionals vacillated between as many as five unique scoring systems until 1974, when a comprehensive model published by John Exner was widely adopted. However, though the Exner approach is now standard, some industry experts argue that the system is flawed and that relying on it too heavily can result in an overdiagnosis of mental disorders.

Other Rorschach critics take issue with the test’s ability to measure the attributes it attempts to measure. Specifically, some question whether the test provides accurate information regarding a person’s personality and emotional tendencies. For this reason, some professionals believe inkblot tests are less effective at diagnosing disorders such as depression and anxiety, though they may still be useful in identifying schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Another issue some experts have with the Rorschach test is its lack of consistency. Because the results of each test are based on the subjective interpretation of the examiner, they can lead some administrators to produce vastly different diagnoses when faced with similar responses. One study presented Rorschach examiners with a group of patients, some of whom were told to provide false responses, and found that the examiners only correctly identified 9% of them. According to critics, the inability to produce consistent results may be a sign of the Rorschach test’s lack of viability.

Alternatives to the Rorschach Test

The Rorschach test is a type of projective test, often used to identify a person’s underlying thoughts, feelings, desires and conflicts by presenting them with a series of ambiguous images. Other tools can be used in place of the Rorschach test to glean similar results that examiners can use to help guide patient treatment. These include:

• Thematic Apperception Test. The TAT test asks patients to look at a scene and create a story based on what they see, including character emotions and how the story will end.
• Draw-a-Person. This test asks patients to draw a person for the examiner to interpret based on factors such as the level of detail and the size of certain features.
• House-Tree-Person. This projective test asks patients to draw a house, a tree and a person, then answer a series of questions about the images, such as “Who lives here?” and “Is the person who lives here happy?”

Rorschach alternatives aren’t immune to the criticisms faced by the inkblot test. Some question the validity of this method of evaluating and diagnosing patients, as interpretations of their answers are highly subjective and can be swayed by the examiner’s attitude or the testing environment.

The Rorschach Test Today

Overall, use of the Rorschach test today isn’t as widespread as it was in the decades directly following its invention. Supporters of the inkblot test maintain that it can still be a useful tool in certain circumstances, despite its potential drawbacks. Today, it’s often used as a tool to diagnose schizophrenia, which was its initial purpose upon creation in 1921. Some practitioners still employ it in hospitals, schools and courtrooms. With that said, many professionals have abandoned the test entirely, opting for more reliable methods that don’t rely as much on subjective interpretation.

Mental Health Treatment, Modernized

If you’re looking for a more scientific approach to mental health treatment, you’ll find it at Sunlight Recovery. Our team of experts crafts custom treatment programs to help each patient find the tools that work for them. Our compassionate counselors are standing by to take your call, so there’s no better time to contact us and start your recovery journey.