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Rorschach assessment of traumatized refugees: an exploratory factor analysis
Marianne Opaas1, Ellen Hartmann
1Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Oslo, Norway. marianne.opaas@nkvts.unirand.no
Journal of Personality Assessment
|April 11, 2013
Summary
This study explored trauma responses in refugee mental health patients using the Rorschach test. Findings link specific Rorschach components to posttraumatic stress, quality of life, and anxiety levels.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Trauma Studies
- Mental Health Research
Background:
- Multitraumatized refugee patients represent an understudied population in mental health.
- Understanding their psychological state before treatment is crucial for outcome prediction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To gain in-depth knowledge of multitraumatized refugee mental health patients.
- To establish a prospective basis for analyzing treatment outcomes in this group.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-one patients completed the Rorschach test, Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25, and WHOQOL-BREF.
- Factor analysis was used to analyze trauma-related Rorschach variables.
Main Results:
- Two Rorschach components emerged: trauma-related flooding/constriction and reality testing.
- Flooding/constriction correlated with reexperiencing symptoms; reality testing correlated with quality of life and anxiety.
- Both components showed significant correlations with resources like work experience and education.
Conclusions:
- Rorschach variables can differentiate trauma responses and psychological functioning in refugee patients.
- These findings provide a foundation for understanding treatment needs and outcomes in this population.
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