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Rorschach Comprehensive System data for a sample of 190 Japanese nonpatient children at five ages
Mariko Matsumoto1, Nobuko Suzuki, Hiromi Shirai
1Department of Psychology, Kinjo Gakuin University, Nagoya City, Japan. mariko-m@kinjo-u.ac.jp
Insights
This study on Japanese children using the Rorschach test found unique response patterns, including fewer overall responses and specific scoring features. These findings highlight the influence of cultural factors on psychological assessments.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Cross-cultural psychology
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- The Rorschach test is a widely used projective psychological assessment.
- Understanding normative data across different cultural groups is crucial for accurate interpretation.
- Previous research suggests potential cultural variations in Rorschach performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Rorschach performance characteristics of nonpatient Japanese children.
- To identify age-specific response patterns in Japanese children.
- To examine cultural factors influencing Rorschach test results.
Main Methods:
- Administered the Rorschach test to 346 nonpatient Japanese children.
- Excluded participants based on specific criteria (e.g., <10 responses, maladjustment).
- Analyzed data from 190 children across age groups: 5, 8, 9, 12, and 14 years.
Main Results:
- Japanese children generally produced fewer Rorschach responses (average 18-20).
- Observed unique features: high Lambda, low EA, very high X-%, and low X+%.
- Presented interrater reliability findings and Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS) data.
Conclusions:
- Rorschach test performance in Japanese children differs from Western norms.
- Verbal expression demands of the Rorschach may contribute to observed patterns.
- Cultural factors are important considerations for interpreting Rorschach results in Japanese children.
Abstract:
This study is a part of our series of studies of nonpatient, Japanese children. In total, 346 children were administered the Rorschach. Thirty-two children had fewer than 10 responses, 112 children had more than 10 but fewer than 14 responses, and 12 children were maladjusted or mentally retarded, for a total of 156. In this study, we analyzed the remaining 190 children not excluded by the above criteria in the following age groups: 5 years (n = 24), 8 years (n = 43), 9 years (n = 42), 12 years (n = 42), and 14 years (n = 39). Japanese children showed few responses generally, with an average of 18 ~ 20 responses. In addition to having fewer responses, other features of Japanese children are high Lambda, low EA, very high X-%, and low X+%. The fact that the Rorschach test depends on verbal expression may be one factor in all these features, and we should consider this study in view of these Japanese cultural factors. Interrater reliability findings and Rorschach Comprehensive System (CS; Exner, 1995; Matsumoto, 2003; Matsumoto et al., 2002) data are presented.
