Rorschach predictors of therapeutic outcome for inpatient treatment of children: a proactive study

The present study tested the hypothesis that Rorschach measures of psychological instability and perceptual sensitivity (i.e., es, es-EA, Lambda, Blends, Zf, & Zsum) would be sensitive to therapeutic change after inpatient treatment of children. Twelve male children were administered the Rorschach Ink Blot test in accordance with Exner's (1986) procedures and comprehensive system, pretreatment and posttreatment. The 12 children received inpatient treatment an average of 12 months, and all children showed improved functioning after treatment. Pre- to posttreatment Rorschach performance changes provided a partial confirmation of the hypothesis. Specifically, significant changes in es and Lambda were found posttreatment. As such, these Rorschach variables appear to be sensitive to therapeutic change in children.