(Elizabeth DeVille) It’s a controversial test among experts today, however, the Rorschach Test (better known as the inkblot test) has been used since it’s development in 1921 to provide insight into the human mind. But, how accurate could a blotch of ink be in predicting personality?
by Elizabeth DeVille, December 10th, 2018
The test itself is incredibly simple at first glance. Participants are shown a series of cards, each with an inkblot on it, and asked what they see. The results are then collected and scored, allowing psychologists to establish a profile of the subject’s personality including their innermost thoughts, feelings and personality traits. Used early on in the diagnosis of those with schizophrenia, it was later used as a tool for personality assessment in many other areas including the ‘Harrower-Erickson Multiple Choice Rorschach Test’ used by the U.S. military to screen personnel.
The simplicity of the testing method and confusing explanations and theories required to interpret the data have left many questioning its effectiveness. In order to better understand whether this was a reliable tool or nothing more than pseudoscience, the American Psychological Association carried out a major study which they then published in 2013. It found that the test was surprisingly more effective than many believed.
“Due to the challenge of making sense of its complex, scattered, and disparate literature, particularly within the context of highly publicized critiques, many psychologists have simply concluded that it is invalid. But this is not accurate,” the study’s authors wrote. Instead, the study outlines some clear suggestions and guidance for use of the test in order to empower professionals to include this tool in their own practice.
What Will The Rorschach Test Reveal About Your Personality? Check Out These 10 Classic Test Cards And The Interpretation From Some Of The Most Common Responses:
#1.
The interpretation of this card relies entirely on whether the answers provided are considered to be ‘normal’ or ‘abnormal’. The most common descriptions, seen as the ‘normal’ descriptions, include a bat, bird, or butterfly. Identifying these images indicates that you are living with a well-balanced, healthy imagination and strong, balanced mental health.
Meanwhile, the abnormal answers are a sign that something’s ‘off’. A pair of scissors anywhere in the image, for example, would reveal that you feel powerless or vulnerable in your life, whereas an interpretation including some powerful creature like crocodile faces could indicate that you are harboring hostile feelings and frustration.
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#2.
This card is often used with a very clear purpose, believed to be able to provide insight into one’s sexual orientation. In this interpretation, the actions of the two figures are completely irrelevant, all that matters is whether one sees the figures as male, female or androgynous. The presence of two male figures is said to reveal heterosexuality, while homosexuals statistically report seeing either two female or androgynous figures.
Some experts believe, however, that the actions of the figures also provide significant insight, as they directly correlate with the relationships of the subject. If the figures are leaning into one another or engaging in a positive way, you may be longing to deepen your relationships and be closer to those that you love. Meanwhile, if you perceive the images as moving away from one another, you may be seeking space.
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#3.
Are you facing any issues or struggles in your life? Are you currently working to make challenges? This image is said to be able to provide the answers to these questions.
If you see two figures or beings that are fighting in some way, you are currently struggling with some form of conflict in your life, either internal conflict or difficulties with those around you. However, if you identify flowers or explosions, both of these interpretations indicate that your life is going well, and you are currently experiencing no problems.
If you spot rocket launching in the center of the image, this is a sign that you feel powerful and confident, ready to take on whatever the world may send your way. Meanwhile, if you see a pair of stags in the upper half of the image, you may be less confident, but you are currently putting serious effort into improving your life in some way. You are heading in the right direction.
#4.
This card is used to determine how you respond to the presence of authority figures in your life. The image is most often described as a large, powerful animal such as a bear, or as two large boots. The important aspect in this case, however, isn’t actually what you see, but how you respond to it. If the image triggers feelings of fear or conflict, it reveals that you are currently struggling in your relationship with an authority figure in your life. This could be at work with a manager or supervisor, or at home with an older relative. If, however, the image makes you feel safe and secure, then it can be said that it indicates peace and sincerity in your dealings with those in authority.
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#5.
If, when you look at this image you see an image of a being with wings of some form, such as a bat, butterfly or moth, this indicates that you are emotionally stable. You have a clear idea of who you are and are confident in your self-image.
In the event that those wings are located on an angel rather than an animal or insect of some form, you have an incredibly innocent or even naïve personality. You choose to look at the light-hearted side of life rather than allowing yourself to be weighed down by seriousness, stress or negativity.
Meanwhile, those that see any other form of an animal, being or face are revealing a darker insight into their true selves. A single face staring back at your is a sign that you may be struggling with your mental health, possibly living with depression, anxiety or paranoia. However, if you see two or even three animals moving within the inkblot, interacting with one another or attacking one another, you are likely struggling with the relationships in your own life, feeling attacked or threatened yourself.
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#6.
Most people who look at this card will see some sort of creature, being or insect in the image. This includes worms, snakes, and rabbit heads, among others. The truth is that the card’s power to reveal your inner self isn’t about the actual image at all, it’s about how the image makes you feel. If you feel a sense of calm, or even a whimsical feeling, then you are likely living a well-balanced, happy life. However, if looking at this image leaves you feeling uneasy, you may be struggling with feeling overwhelmed. Your inability to establish organization and order in your life is a source of great stress and needs to be addressed.
#7.
The ‘mother card’, your interpretation of this specific image reveals how you feel about the various female figures that hold an important role in your life such as your mother, sister, girlfriend, wife, etc. Generally, most people identify two separate figures. If they are merely sitting or standing together, carrying on a conversation or interacting in some form of peaceful or positive way, this reveals that you have healthy, balanced relationships with the women in your life. If, however, you see a negative or toxic interaction or some form of hostility, then there are unresolved issues in your relationships that demand your attention.
#8.
Many people see this image as two people interacting with one another in some sort of communication, whether they are sitting across the table from one another, or reaching out to one another in some way. This is a sign that the relationship in your life right now as positive, bringing you joy and happiness in life.
If, however, the two individuals you see aren’t communicating in a positive way, such as fighting or arguing with another, this is seen as an insight into your own pent-up frustrations. You may be holding onto some deep seeded anger that you need to address in order to avoid it boiling over.
A failure to see two figures at all, regardless of what other images you may describe, is said to indicate a problem that exists in your communication skills. This is likely causing great difficulty in your relationships, driving a wedge between you and those that you love.
#9.
This image may provide insight into your ability to identify and understand the various information and situations in your life. For example, if you are able to spot a crest of some form, you are likely good at seeing the ‘big picture’, identify and understanding difficult or complex information as it is presented to you. Meanwhile, a four-legged creature on either side of the image indicates that you are skilled in identifying and understanding patterns in life.
Some experts will also use this image to help identify your readiness to take on responsibility. If you identify animals or beings attempting to escape flames or fire, this reveals that you have some unresolved personal struggles, issues with your self-worth or unresolved guilt. Before you can take on responsibility outside of your own life, you must first do some introspection and resolve these problems. However, identifying a spine in the middle of the image is a sign of a skilled, natural leader.
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#10.
If you look at this image and see any type of sexual imagery, such as the presence of either male or female genitalia, this is a sign that you have a healthy, well-balanced sex life. If, however, you see anything but those images, you could be experiencing some sort of sexual struggle. This could range from difficulties performing right through to simply lacking recent sexual contact.
The non-sexual images may also indicate a mental struggle of some form. For example, if you see a mountain, this is generally accepted as a sign that you are experiencing anxiety in relation to the struggles that you are facing in your life at this time. You may feel as though they are impossible to overcome, leaving you trapped in a hopeless situation.
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Not sure how to make sense of this? Want to learn how to discern like a pro? Read this essential guide to discernment, analysis of claims, and understanding the truth in a world of deception: 4 Key Steps of Discernment – Advanced Truth-Seeking Tools
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