The Rorschach's factor structure: a contemporary investigation and historical review

The Rorschach Inkblot Test was factor analyzed to assess for a two-dimensional structure that was expected to reflect the traditional interpretation of many scores, as well as two dimensions that have become a basic paradigm for studying self-reported personality and mood. In my sample (N = 268), Comprehensive System scores had a four-dimensional structure. These factors replicated many earlier findings but were independent of self-report measures. Two of the Rorschach dimensions were strongly defined by response frequency (R) and reflect the powerful impact that R has on determining scores and their intercorrelations. A third dimension was comprised of form-dominant shading determinants and partially corresponded to a hypothesized factor of dysphoria. The fourth dimension was comprised of holistic nonform-dominant color and shading determinants and appears to reflect Shapiro's (1965) description of the hysterical mode of cognition. This study suggests it is necessary to expand our conceptualization of the Rorschach to account for its reproducible factors.