Shifts in perceptual differentiation and defense mechanisms in alcoholics

The Group Embedded Figures Test and the Defense Mechanism Inventory were administered to 50 alcoholics approximately 10 days after admission and again after about 6 weeks of treatment. The posttreatment scores on the embedded figures test were significantly higher, more field independent, than initial scores. Ss also had significantly higher scores on the defense of turning against an object and lower scores on reversal when compared to pretreatment scores on the defense inventory. The changes in defensive style were not related to the initial level of or changes in perceptual differentiation.