Rorschach indices of children classified as hyperactive

The Rorschach protocols of 20 boys (6 to 11 yr.) rated by their teachers as hyperactive and those of 20 nonhyperactive boys were compared along 16 indices, including R, P, M, FM, C, CF, FC, Sum C, A%, H%, F+%, Sum Shading, and the reaction times. The results suggested that children classified as hyperactive produce fewer movement (M) and Human (H) responses but a far greater percentage of Animal (A) responses than the matched clinic control group. Age-related effects occurred within the hyperactive group such that younger hyperactives produced a higher Sum C, a lower H% and F+%, and had shorter reaction times than the older hyperactives. Findings were discussed in terms of the assessment of hyperactivity within a conceptual framework which regards impulsivity as a major underlying dimension.