The Rorschach EA-ep variable as related to persistence in a task frustration situation under feedback conditions

Eighty nonpatients, subdivided into four levels based on the Rorschach EA-ep variable, were randomized into two groups and subjected to a frustrating pursuit rotor task. Extrinsic feedback was provided by a noticeable sound that would occur whenever the tracker was off target. Results indicate that where ep is significantly greater than EA a greater persistence occurred even though the extrinsic feedback signaled no substantial improvement in performance. Two of the three elements contributing to the ep, inanimate movement (m) plus the grey-black and shading answers (T, Y, V, C,), and one variable unrelated to ep, white space (S), account for much of the variance in persistence. The findings are discussed in terms of an overload state that interferes with appropriate processing and mediation in a complex situation.