Rorschach and suicide-theories: A preliminary study in young women

Abstract

Introduction

The accuracy of the Rorschach Test in identifying the pathway to suicide is still controversial, though it can help for a better understanding of the functioning of suicidal minds.

Objectives

To investigate whether Rorschach indexes fit major suicidal models.

Aims

To evaluate whether Schneidman's psychache theory (1993), Baumeister's thought deconstruction model (1990) and Maltsberger's affect deluge model (2003) fit with Rorschach test indexes.

Methods

Three young women hospitalised for near-lethal suicide- attempts were analysed through the Rorschach test by trained researchers using the Exner Comprehensive System. The Concept of the Object Scale on the Rorschach (COR) and the Mutuality of Autonomy Scale (MOA) were used for a systematic assessment of object relations and as index of interpersonal relationship capacities respectively.

Results

All the tests are scarce. All patients rejected Table 9.

Patient 1: L = 1.4, EB=3:0, X- index = 0.25, M- = 2, EA=3; X+% = 0.58; P=3; Zd = −1.5; Afr =0.2;Ego index = 0.5 sR=1 and S-CON = 9. COR: poor differentiation, articulation and integration and MOA level 2.

Patient 2 : L = 1.5; CDI +; EB = 2:0; Afr = 0.37. Ego index 0.3; EA = 2 ; S-CON = 8. COR = good differentiation and integration, though a poor articulation of the object, MOA level of 2.

Patient 3: L = 1.42; Ag=0, COP = 0; S-CON = 8; MOR = 2; Afr = 0.41, SumC’ = 1; CDI +; FM = 2, m = 1, M = 1. COR: scarce differentiation, severely impaired articulation and integration of the object, MOA = level 6.

Conclusions

Patient 1's Rorschach test suggests Baumeister's model; patient 2's test Maltsberger's model and patient 3's test Schneidman model.