A Jungian approach to the Rorschach: an exploration of differing patterns of aggression

Rorschach responses of institutionalized adolescent males exhibiting different patterns of aggressive behavior were analyzed from the perspective of Jung's archetypal psychology. Distinct differences in the individual's relationship to archetypal processes were found and were consistent with the behavioral expression of aggression. The study supports McCully's view that Rorschach plates have a potential capacity to stimulate the archetypal structure of the psyche with the resulting archetypal energies influencing the perceptual experience of the observer in lawful and ordered ways. The relationship to archetypal influence is an important but often neglected factor in the adolescent's task of becoming a separate and individual personality. A rich commentary on each individual's protocol by Professor McCully is included to more fully illustrate the archetypal approach to Rorschach symbolism.