A critical review of the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global and Thematic Apperception Test in clinical practice and research: Psychometric limitations and ethical implications.

The Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global (SCORS-G) has been used increasingly in multimethod psychological assessment contexts as a framework for eliciting personality information from narrative data collection techniques, the most popular of which is the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). Although research on the reliability and validity of the SCORS system has evolved over the last decade, there are numerous psychometric and procedural shortcomings (and corresponding ethical issues) that should be considered when applying this methodology to the TAT in clinical and research settings. Chief among these concerns is a lack of normative benchmarking, variability in TAT card batteries that are administered across contexts (which limit generalization and direct research comparisons), ambiguous reliability and validity evidence (and lack of incremental validity), and redundancy in published studies (i.e., versions of the same data/samples presented repeatedly across research). There is also a dearth of information about how SCORS-G data are influenced by factors such as culture, language, cognitive functioning, and other variables that may impact narrative output, word count, and richness (and subsequent interpretation and clinical decision making). The review concludes with a discussion of the ethical implications of using the SCORS-G in clinical practice, and recommendation for a moratorium on its use until minimum psychometric standards can be established and greater clarity is achieved surrounding its use with diverse and vulnerable populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

O refluxo gastroesofágico e a relação mãe e bebê: estudo de caso / Gastroesophageal reflux and the mother-child relations: a case study / Le reflux gastro-œsophagien et les relations mère-enfant: une étude de cas / Reflujo gastroesofágico y la relación madre-hijo: un estudio de caso

O presente artigo problematiza aspectos afetivos inerentes à relação materno-filial que podem estar associados ao surgimento e estabelecimento de sintomas psicossomáticos de refluxo gastroesofágico no bebê de até 1 ano de idade. Para tanto, apresenta-se estudo de caso de uma díade mãe-bebê auxiliado por entrevista semiestruturada, aplicação das pranchas 1, 2 e 7MF do teste de apercepção temática e observação naturalista. Cada instrumento foi analisado qualitativamente e teve seus resultados integrados e articulados à teoria psicanalítica. Os principais resultados apontaram certa fragilidade egóica e necessidade de apoio social por parte da mãe, compatíveis com o período do puerpério. São discutidas possíveis maneiras de funcionamento do psiquismo materno, por exemplo, quando sobrecarregado com afetos ansiosos, há sobredeterminação de sintomas psicofuncionais no bebê, os quais, por sua vez, causam efeitos no modo como a mãe se posiciona no exercício da maternagem suficientemente boa, marcando um interjogo relacional

This article discusses affective aspects inherent to mother-child relations that may be associated with the onset and establishment of psychosomatic gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in infants up to 1 year old. A case study of a mother-child dyad was performed by conducting semi-structured interviews, applying the 1, 2 and 7MF cards of the Thematic Apperception Test and using naturalistic observation. Instruments were analyzed qualitatively and their results were integrated and linked to psychoanalytic theoretical framework. Results pointed to a certain egoic fragility and the need for social support for the mother compatible with the puerperium. It also discusses possible ways in which the maternal psyche functions. When overloaded with anxious affections, for example, it overdetermines psychofunctional symptoms in the baby which, in turn, affects how the mother positions herself in the exercise of good maternity, marking a relational interplay

Cet article traite des aspects affectifs inhérents aux relations mère-enfant qui peuvent être associés à l'émergence et à l'installation de symptômes psychosomatiques de reflux gastro-œsophagien chez les nourrissons jusqu'à l'âge d'un an. Une étude de cas d'une dyade mère-enfant a été réalisée en menant des entretiens semi-structurés, en appliquant les planches 1, 2 et 7MF du Test d'Aperception Thématique et en utilisant l'observation naturaliste. Les instruments ont été analysés qualitativement et leurs résultats ont été intégrés et reliés au cadre théorique psychanalytique. Les résultats ont mis en évidence une certaine fragilité égoïque et le besoin d'un soutien social pour la mère compatible avec la puerpéralité. L'étude aborde également les modes de fonctionnement possibles de la psyché maternelle. Lorsque celle-ci est surchargée d'affections anxieuses, elle surdétermine des symptômes psychofonctionnels chez le bébé qui, à leur tour, affectent la façon dont la mère se positionne dans l'exercice d'une maternité suffisamment bonne, marquant une interaction relationnelle

Este artículo discute aspectos afectivos inherentes a la relación madre-hijo que pueden estar asociados con la aparición y establecimiento de síntomas psicosomáticos del reflujo gastroesofágico en el bebé de hasta 1 año de edad. Para ello, se realiza un estudio de caso de una díada madre-hijo, con la aplicación de entrevistas semiestructuradas, con el uso de los tableros 1, 2 y 7MF del Test de Apercepción Temática y una observación naturalista. Los instrumentos se analizaron cualitativamente, y sus resultados se integraron y vincularon al marco teórico psicoanalítico. Los principales resultados apuntaban a una cierta fragilidad egoica y la necesidad de apoyo social de la madre, compatibles con el puerperio. Se discuten posibles formas de funcionamiento de la psique materna, por ejemplo, cuando se sobrecarga de afectos ansiosos, sobredeterminando síntomas psicofuncionales en el bebé que, a su vez, provocan efectos sobre cómo se siente la madre en el ejercicio de una maternaje suficiente buena, marcando una interacción relacional

Estudos sobre o emprego do Senior Apperception Test (SAT) em idosos longevos / Studies about the employment of the Senior Apperception Test (SAT) in long-living elders / Estudios sobre el uso del Senior Apperception Test (SAT) en ancianos longevos

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi apresentar os resultados de uma investigação comparativa e correlacional utilizando a Técnica de Apercepção Temática para Idosos (SAT). Participaram da pesquisa 30 idosos longevos divididos em dois grupos: idosos que vivem na comunidade e residentes de uma instituição de longa permanência. Foram utilizados um questionário de caracterização, oito pranchas do SAT, a Escala de Depressão Geriátrica (GDS-15) e o Mini Exame do Estado Mental (MEEM). A comparação dos resultados do SAT evidenciou que os idosos institucionalizados demonstraram percepções mais positivas sobre a velhice. As correlações indicaram que maiores pontuações na GDS-15 se associam moderadamente à ausência de soluções de problemas nas histórias elaboradas para o SAT. Observou-se que baixas pontuações no MEEM se relacionam com maior número de distorções ou superficialidade nas percepções dos estímulos do SAT, assim como um maior número de narrativas que se distanciam dos temas evocados para as pranchas. (AU)

This study presents the results of a comparative correlational investigation using the Senior Apperception Test (SAT). Study participants were 30 long-living older adults, divided into two groups: those who live in the community and the residents of a long-term institution. The study used a characterization questionnaire, eight SAT cards, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMEE). The comparison of the SAT results showed that the institutionalized older adults had a more positive perception about aging. The correlations demonstrated that higher GDS-15 scores were moderately associated with the absence of solutions to problems in the stories elaborated for the SAT. It was found that low MMEE scores were related to a higher number of distortions or superficiality in the perception of the SAT stimulus, as well as to a greater number of narratives that were distant from the themes evoked in the cards. (AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue presentar los resultados de una investigación comparativa correlacional utilizando la Técnica de Apercepción Temática para Ancianos (SAT). Participaron 30 ancianos longevos divididos en dos grupos: ancianos residentes en la comunidad y los que viven en residencias de ancianos. Se empleó un cuestionario de caracterización, ocho tableros del SAT, la Escala de Depresión Geriátrica (GDS-15), y el Mini Examen del Estado Mental (MEEM). La comparación de resultados del SAT evidenció una percepción más positiva sobre la vejez en ancianos institucionalizados. Las correlaciones indicaron que una mayor puntuación en el GDS-15 se asocia moderadamente con la ausencia de soluciones de problemas en las historias elaboradas para el SAT. Se observó que una puntuación baja en el MEEM se relaciona con un mayor número de distorsiones o superficialidad en las percepciones de los estímulos del SAT, así como a un mayor número de narrativas que se distancian de los temas evocados para las láminas. (AU)

Longitudinal stability of Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method dimensional ratings, score ranges and narrative 'blandness' in a clinical sample.

While understanding how internalized representations of others (i.e., object relations) change over the course of treatment is essential for treatment planning and evaluation of progress, few studies have examined the nature of these changes through repeated psychological assessments. In this study, we applied the SCORS-G to Thematic Apperception Test narratives for 61 adult patients with complex psychiatric problems undergoing residential treatment over an 18-month period. Over the course of treatment, patient representations of self and others became more complex, indicating improvements in mentalization. Further, an analysis of default ratings (i.e., an aspect of story 'blandness') suggested that certain shifts in SCORS-G dimensional scores over time were accounted for by greater degree of scorable content across time points, rather than changes specific to the dimensions themselves. Findings from novel exploratory analyses aimed at evaluating the test-retest reliability of both default rating proportion and several emerging alternative scoring approaches (including changes in minimum, maximum and range of scores on individual dimensions) are reported. While the magnitude of change across mean dimensional scores was found to be lower compared to those previously found in outpatient populations, our results suggest that the SCORS-G remains capable of detecting changes in mentalization capacities in individuals contending with longstanding, severe psychiatric impairment and personality-based psychopathology. Implications for treatment, assessment and future research are discussed.

Psicodiagnóstico intervencionista en la adolescencia y Test de Apercepción Temática Infantil con Figuras Humanas: aportes a la clínica de la adolescencia / Psicodiagnóstico interventivo e o Teste de Apercepção Temática Infantil com Figuras Humanas: contribuições à clínica da adolescência / Interventive psychodiagnosis and the Children's Apperception Test with Human Figures: contributions to the clinic of adolescence

INTRODUCCIÓN: El Psicodiagnóstico interventivo, basado en las Consultas Terapéuticas propuestas por Winnicott, involucra, desde la primera sesión, intervenciones clínicas. Dado su empleo en diferentes contextos y poblaciones, instrumentos proyectivos como el Test de Apercepción Temática Infantil con Figuras Humanas son utilizados con la finalidad de explorar y comprender el mundo vivencial, y aspectos relevantes de la personalidad de niños y adolescentes, apoyando el trabajo clínico con adolescentes. OBJETIVO: Introducir, por medio del análisis del Psicodiagnóstico interventivo con la ayuda del CAT-H, la ilustración clínica de una adolescente con comportamiento de autolesión no suicida. MÉTODO: Se trata de un estudio clínico-teórico, con delineamiento de estudio de caso. Los datos fueron analizados a partir de la libre inspección del material y a la luz del abordaje psicoanalítico winnicottiana. RESULTADOS: Se evidenció el principal conflicto interno experimentado por el participante: sumisión frente al deseo de hacer lo que es propio de la época, así como la autoimagen vulnerable y el empleo de mecanismos de defensa primitivos dada la intensa sensación de impotencia. CONCLUSIÓN: El material clínico descrito presenta el uso del test más allá de su posibilidad diagnóstica, en calidad de mediador terapéutico, colaborando para la profundización en la queja y ofreciendo una experiencia de acogida y reflexión a la paciente, de manera similar la oferta del juego del garabato de Winnicott, es decir estableciendo contacto el campo emocional.

INTRODUÇÃO: O psicodiagnóstico interventivo, baseado nas Consultas Terapêuticas propostas por Winnicott, envolve, desde a primeira sessão, intervenções clínicas. Devido ao seu emprego em diferentes contextos e populações, instrumentos projetivos como o Teste de Apercepção Infantil com Figuras Humanas são utilizados para explorar e compreender o mundo vivencial, e aspectos relevantes da personalidade do público infanto-juvenil, subsidiando a atuação clínica com adolescentes. OBJETIVO: Apresentar a análise do psico diagnóstico interventivo com o auxílio do teste por meio da ilustração clínica de um adolescente com comportamento de autolesão não suicida. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo teórico-clínico, com delineamento de estudo de caso. Os dados foram analisados a partir da livre inspeção do material e à luz da abordagem psicanalítica winnicottiana. RESULTADOS: Evidenciou-se o principal conflito interno vivenciado pelo participante: submissão versus desejo de fazer o que é próprio para a idade, assim como autoimagem vulnerável e emprego de mecanismos primitivos de defesa diante do intenso sentimento de desamparo. CONCLUSÃO: O material clínico descrito apresenta a utilização do teste além de sua possibilidade diagnóstica, como mediador terapêutico, colaborando para aprofundar a queixa e oferecendo uma experiência de acolhimento e reflexão ao paciente, à semelhança da proposta do jogo de rabiscos de Winnicott, ou seja, estabelecendo contato com o campo emocional.

INTRODUCTION: The interventive psychodiagnosis, based on the Therapeutic Consultations proposed by Winnicott, involves, from the first session, clinical interventions. Given its use in different contexts and populations, projective instruments such as the Children's Apperception Test with Human Figures are used in order to explore and understand the living world, and relevant aspects of the personality of children and adolescents, supporting clinical work with adolescents. OBJECTIVE: To present the analysis of the interventive psychodiagnosis with the help of the test through the clinical illustration of an adolescent with non-suicidal self-injury behavior. METHOD: This is a clinical-theoretical study, with a case study design. Data were analyzed from the free inspection of the material and in the light of the Winnicottian psychoanalytic approach. RESULTS: The main internal conflict experienced by the participant was evidenced: submission versus the desire to do what is proper for the age, as well as vulnerable self-image and employment of primitive defense mechanisms given the intense feeling of helplessness. CONCLUSION: The clinical material described presents the use of the test in addition to its diagnostic possibility, as a therapeutic mediator, collaborating to deepen the complaint and offering an experience of welcoming and reflection to the patient, similarly to the proposal of Winnicott's scribble game, which is, establishing contact with the emotional field.

Exploring the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders Using SCORS-G Ratings on Thematic Apperception Test Narratives.

The Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) in Section III of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) conceptualizes personality pathology as a combination of impairment (Criterion A) and traits (Criterion B). One measure used to develop Criterion A was the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale - Global Rating Method (SCORS-G), which is a multidimensional, object-relational clinician-rated measure of personality functioning. Although there are conceptual links between the AMPD and SCORS-G dimensions, there exists no research examining the relationship. To address this, we examined associations between the SCORS-G dimensions and measures of the AMPD constructs in a large, archival dataset of outpatients and inpatients. More pathological scores on SCORS-G dimensions reflecting self- and interpersonal functioning were associated with greater pathological traits and impairment. Overall, results support further investigation into SCORS-G as a useful measure in AMPD research and assessment.

Interpersonal Decentering and Interpersonal Problems: Testing the Multi-Method Utility of Person-Situation Interactions in Thematic Apperception Tests.

Mature interpersonal decentering is a form of social cognitive role-taking involving reflective thought about one's interpersonal relationships. Previous research examining main effects for persons, card situation content, story content, and person-card interactions found more mature decentering in stories about heterosexual romantic-pull Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) cards (HRC) as compared with stories about nonromantic cards (NRC). To see whether differences in means corresponded to differential criterion validity, this multi-method study examined Inventory of Interpersonal Problems circumplex (IIP-C) scores associated with young adults' decentering maturity and deficits, comparing correlations with IIP-C scores of decentering scores calculated from HRC versus NRC. Similarly, to test the effect of story content, IIP-C scores were correlated with decentering scores calculated from stories having romantic versus nonromantic story content. Using circumplex statistical tests, decentering deficits were associated with domineering/vindictive interpersonal problems, and mature decentering with nonassertive/exploitable problems. Men who reported more exploitable problems decentered more maturely across all situations. Women who decentered more maturely in response to HRC reported more socially avoidant problems, whereas those who decentered more maturely to NRC reported more exploitable problems. Results for romantic versus nonromantic story content were largely uninterpretable (did not meet circumplexity assumption). Findings might assist clinicians' card selection.

[Thematic Apperception Test for Adolescents (TAT-A) - an Explorative Study]. / Thematischer Apperzeptions-Test für Jugendliche (TAT-J) ­ eine explorative Studie.

Projective methods have lost significance in child and adolescent psychiatric diagnostics. These methods allow access to important emotional and conflictual topics that can only be determined to a limited extent via diagnostic discussions and questionnaires. The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT-A) has been updated for use in adolescents. For this purpose, special image templates with new motifs were developed, which were redrawn photorealistically in color to increase ambiguity and stimulate imagination. To check the thematic valences, the panels were presented to 184 schoolgirls in Seoul, South Korea, for assessment. The practical suitability and acceptance of the image templates were evaluated on a small clinical German sample (N = 13), and the valences in terms of content were determined by two raters. The results clarify that photorealistic color representation is an appropriate method for this new concept of TAT. In particular, "empty" panels with landscape views initiate meaningful narratives, thereby enabling access to personal topics.

Challenges for Family Medicine Residents in Attaining the CanMEDS Professional Role: A Thematic Analysis of Preceptor Field Notes.

PURPOSE: Among the roles of the competent physician is that of a professional, according to the Canadian Medical Education Directives for Specialists (CanMEDS) framework, which describes the abilities physicians require to effectively meet the health care needs of the people they serve. Through examination of preceptor field notes on resident performance, the authors identified aspects of this role with which family medicine residents struggle. METHOD: The authors used a structured thematic analysis in this qualitative study to explore the written feedback postgraduate medical learners receive at the University of Toronto Department of Family and Community Medicine. Seventy field notes written between 2015 and 2017 by clinical educators for residents who scored "below expectation" in the CanMEDS professional role were analyzed. From free-text comments, the authors derived inductive codes, amalgamated the codes into themes, and measured the frequency of the occurrence of the codes. The authors then mapped the themes to the key competencies of the CanMEDS professional role. RESULTS: From the field notes, 7 themes emerged that described reasons for poor performance. Lack of collegiality, failure to adhere to standards of practice or legal guidelines, and lack of reflection or self-learning were identified as major issues. Other themes were failure to maintain boundaries, taking actions that could have a negative impact on patient care, failure to maintain patient confidentiality, and failure to engage in self-care. When the themes were mapped to the key competencies in the CanMEDS professional role, most related to the competency "commitment to the profession." CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights aspects of professional conduct with which residents struggle and suggests that the way professionalism is taught in residency programs-and at all medical training levels-should be reassessed. Educational interventions that emphasize learners' commitment to the profession could enhance the development of more practitioners who are consummate professionals.

Malevolent object relations: A multimethod study of female survivors of childhood abuse.

Although childhood victimization is associated with impairments in object relations, it is not clear how different measures comparatively perform in assessing this relationship. This study examined the connection between emotional, physical, and sexual abuse in childhood and three methods of assessing malevolent object representations. Sixty adult women, recruited from an urban primary-care clinic, were administered the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), the Object Relations Inventory (ORI) interview, and a version of the Early Memories Test (EMT)/interview. Ratings of malevolent object relations were obtained using the affect-tone dimension from the Social Cognition and Object Relations (SCORS-G) scale with both TAT and early memory narratives and through Malevolence ratings from the ORI interview. It was found that, outside of emotional abuse, ORI interview ratings of malevolence consistently differentiated adult childhood abuse groups and nonabuse groups, whereas early memory ratings of malevolence differentiated groups in two of four analyses. Malevolence ratings based upon TAT ratings failed to differentiate any type of abuse from nonabuse. These findings suggest that the use of malevolence ratings from the ORI and early memory narratives are preferred methods for assessing malevolent object relations in urban-dwelling women who have been victimized as children.

How narrative source impacts convergence of ratings from the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method with psychotherapy process measures.

This study examines the construct validity of the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method (SCORS-G; Westen, 1995; see also Stein & Mulford, 2018) by exploring the degree of convergence across different narrative sources (i.e., early memories [EM] and psychotherapy narratives [PT]) in relation to patient- and therapist-rated psychotherapy process measures. Using a university-based outpatient sample (n = 81), we found limited convergence for SCORS-G ratings across narrative type. First, paired t tests showed that the means for six of the eight SCORS-G dimensions differed significantly between the EM and PT narratives with the majority having a large magnitude of effect. Moreover, despite 29 significant correlations between a SCORS-G dimension and either an alliance or session quality variable, only two of the eight SCORS-G dimensions significantly correlated with the same process variable across narrative type (e.g., patient-rated session depth with SCORS-G Self Esteem [SE] and Identity and Coherence of Self [ICS]). Importantly, the high degree of theoretical coherence in the associations that emerged between the SCORS-G dimensions and the process variables suggest that the lack of convergence was not due to limited validity of the SCORS-G. Instead, the results underscore the importance of multi-method assessment techniques by highlighting that the manner in which a narrative is elicited will impact the object relational content patients provide. Future research and clinical implications related to the SCORS-G, alliance and psychotherapy process are discussed.

Psoriasis: The Skin I'm In. Development of a behaviour change tool to improve the care and lives of people with psoriasis.

BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is a long-term skin condition associated with considerable life impairment. Extensive literature regarding the needs of patients with psoriasis is not translated into clinical practice. AIM: To explore and communicate the experience of living with psoriasis and interacting with healthcare professionals (HCPs). METHODS: In total, 21 patients attending a tertiary adult psoriasis service were interviewed individually. Interviews were recorded and transcribed, then the transcripts were examined and thematic analyses and qualitative content analysis performed. The results were communicated via a short film. RESULTS: Three key themes were identified: comparison with cancer, misalignment of response with need and fear of social exclusion. Cancer comparison subthemes included poorer services, lack of awareness and trivialization of psoriasis compared with cancer. Misalignment subthemes related to lack of knowledge and inappropriate response of HCPs and society towards psoriasis. Fear of social exclusion subthemes included erroneous belief of psoriasis being contagious and the expectation of rejection. Consequent emotions of fear, shame and anxiety resulted in avoidant behaviours, which perpetuated social exclusion. Participants valued active listening, shared decision-making and communication of hope regarding treatment by HCPs. CONCLUSION: Despite extensive research into psoriasis and the availability of effective treatment for many patients, people with psoriasis live unnecessarily impaired lives and have unsatisfactory healthcare experiences. Storytelling techniques provide a method to communicate scientific information in a way that may drive change in delivery of healthcare and improve the lives of patients.

Card pull effects of the Thematic Apperception Test using the Social Cognition and Object Relations-Global Rating Method on complex psychiatric sample.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in examining the stimulus pull effects on respondent narratives to the Thematic Apperception Test (Murray, 1943) using standardized coding methods such as the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method (SCORS-G; Stein, Hilsenroth, Slavin-Mulford, & Pinsker, 2011; Westen, 1995). The present study expands on prior work by examining sources of variance in SCORS-G dimensions and card pull effect patterns in an adult clinical sample characterized by high psychiatric comorbidity and clinical severity. A sample of 158 adult psychiatric patients in long-term residential treatment provided narratives to 10 TAT cards (five of which have not previously been studied for pull effects). Cards 2 and 7BM pulled for significantly more adaptive narratives (positive pull), whereas Card 13MF pulled for more pathological stories (negative pull). Like prior studies, variance in cognitive dimensions of the SCORS-G was most explained by person effects, whereas the largest source of variance for all other dimensions was best explained by a combination of the card and the person effects on the narrative. Finally, exploratory analyses of card pull effects within different gender groups were conducted. The implications of these findings for performance-based future studies and possible clinical applications of card pull findings are discussed.

Measuring Implicit Motives with the Picture Story Exercise (PSE): Databases of Expert-Coded German Stories, Pictures, and Updated Picture Norms.

We present two openly accessible databases related to the assessment of implicit motives using Picture Story Exercises (PSEs): (a) A database of 183,415 German sentences, nested in 26,389 stories provided by 4,570 participants, which have been coded by experts using Winter's coding system for the implicit affiliation/intimacy, achievement, and power motives, and (b) a database of 54 classic and new pictures which have been used as PSE stimuli. Updated picture norms are provided which can be used to select appropriate pictures for PSE applications. Based on an analysis of the relations between raw motive scores, word count, and sentence count, we give recommendations on how to control motive scores for story length, and validate the recommendation with a meta-analysis on gender differences in the implicit affiliation motive that replicates existing findings. We discuss to what extent the guiding principles of the story length correction can be generalized to other content coding systems for narrative material. Several potential applications of the databases are discussed, including (un)supervised machine learning of text content, psychometrics, and better reproducibility of PSE research.

Postgraduate Assessment Approaches Across Surgical Specialties: A Systematic Review of the Published Evidence.

PURPOSE: Ensuring competence for surgical trainees requires holistic assessment of the qualities and competencies necessary to practice safely and effectively. To determine the next steps toward achieving this aim, the authors conducted a systematic review to summarize and appraise the available evidence related to any assessment approach to postgraduate surgical training and to identify the dominant themes for assessment approaches across different specialties or countries. METHOD: Medline and Embase were searched on January 10, 2019, without language or time restrictions. Any peer-reviewed study that described an assessment framework (in practice or novel) throughout postgraduate surgical training globally was included. An iterative review and thematic analysis were performed on full-text articles to determine assessment themes. Studies were then grouped by assessment themes. A tailored quality assessment of the studies included in the final analysis was conducted. Assessment themes and validity were compared across surgical specialties and countries. RESULTS: From an initial 7,059 articles, 91 studies (evaluating 6,563 surgical trainees) were included in the final analysis. Ten defined assessment themes were extracted. Ten studies (11.0%) were deemed low risk of bias based on the quality assessment tool used and thus were determined to be high quality. Minor differences in assessment themes were observed between specialties and countries. Assessment themes neglected by individual surgical specialties and assessment themes that need validated assessment tools were identified. CONCLUSIONS: This review highlights the low quality of evidence and fragmented efforts to develop and optimize surgical assessments. The minor differences observed demonstrate a common approach, globally and across specialties, related to surgical assessments. A paradigm shift in assessment approaches, which will require national and international collaboration, is required to optimize design and validation so that a comprehensive assessment of surgical competence can be implemented.

Low- and Middle-Income Country Host Perceptions of Short-Term Experiences in Global Health: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Stakeholders have expressed concerns regarding the impact of visiting trainees and physicians from high-income countries (HICs) providing education and/or short-term clinical care in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). This systematic review aimed to summarize LMIC host perceptions of visiting trainees and physicians from HICs during short-term experiences in global health (STEGH). METHOD: In September 2018 then again in August 2020, the authors searched 7 databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, Cochrane Library, Global Index Medicus) for peer-reviewed studies that described LMIC host perceptions of STEGH. They extracted information pertaining to study design, participant demographics, participant perceptions, representation of LMICs and HICs, and HIC visitors' roles and used thematic synthesis to code the text, develop descriptive themes, and generate analytical themes. RESULTS: Of the 4,020 studies identified, 17 met the inclusion criteria. In total, the studies included 448 participants, of which 395 (88%) represented LMICs. The authors identified and organized 42 codes under 8 descriptive themes. They further organized these descriptive themes into 4 analytical themes related to STEGH: (1) sociocultural and contextual differences, (2) institutional and programmatic components, (3) impact on host institutions and individuals, and (4) visitor characteristics and conduct. CONCLUSIONS: STEGH can have both beneficial and detrimental effects on LMIC host institutions and individuals. The authors translated these findings into a set of evidence-based best practices for STEGH that provide specific guidance for LMIC and HIC stakeholders. Moving forward, LMIC and HIC institutions must work together to focus on the quality of their relationships and create conditions in which all stakeholders feel empowered to openly communicate to ensure equity and mutual benefit for all parties.

Are all narratives the same: Convergent and discriminant validity of the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method across two narrative types.

This study examines the construct validity of the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method (SCORS-G) by exploring the degree of convergence across different narrative sources (i.e., early memories [EM] and psychotherapy narratives [PT]) using a university-based outpatient sample (n = 101). First, we examined intercorrelations between SCORS-G ratings of EM and PT. Intercorrelations between SCORS-G EM and PT revealed that three of the dimensions significantly correlated with themselves across narrative type (Emotional Investment in Relationships [EIR], Experience and Management of Aggressive Impulses [AGG], and Self-Esteem [SE]), but that only AGG had its strongest correlation with itself (i.e., EM AGG to PT AGG). In addition, EM AGG was significantly related to all but one of the PT SCORS-G dimensions. Likewise, EM SE correlated with all but two of the PT SCORS-G dimensions. Second, we examined how narrative source related to clinical findings. With the use of a multimethod approach, we assessed how SCORS-G ratings from both narrative types correlated with selected variables from the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) and Rorschach Inkblot Test. Findings indicated that there were only three instances in which both narrative types had significant relationships to the same variable/scale, and all three instances were with the Rorschach. Together, these findings suggest that even when using the same scale (SCORS-G), different narrative sources differentially activate aspects of object relations. In addition, the results highlight that difficulties with self-esteem and poor management of aggression in childhood interactions relates to patients' object relational functioning later in life. Clinical implications and future research are discussed.

"There Is a Lot of Change Afoot": A Qualitative Study of Faculty Adaptation to Elimination of Tiered Grades With Increased Emphasis on Feedback in Core Clerkships.

PURPOSE: Medical schools responding to challenges with fairness, equity, learning environments, and student wellness have reconsidered clerkship grades. This study used the Concerns-Based Adoption Model (CBAM) to explore how faculty responded to a change in the approach to assessment from focus on grades toward focus on feedback. METHOD: This qualitative study used an inductive approach to analyze data from semistructured interviews with teaching faculty and education leaders at University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine 6 months following the elimination of traditional tiered clerkship grades. Participants were recruited in 2019 using purposive sampling. Interview questions addressed participants' perceptions of the new approach to assessment and grading that emphasizes assessment for learning, including advantages and concerns. The authors analyzed data using thematic analysis informed by sensitizing concepts from CBAM. RESULTS: Nineteen faculty participated (11 medicine, 8 surgery). Faculty expressed optimism about the impact of the change on their clinical educator roles and sought faculty development to enhance feedback and assessment skills. Perceived benefits to students addressed learning and wellness, with concern for students' motivation and professional development. Faculty shared uncertainty about their roles and larger systemic consequences involving the residency match and institutional reputation. Participants acknowledged that traditional grading is imperfect, yet felt a departure from this system represented significant culture change. CONCLUSIONS: Faculty perceptions of the assessment and grade change in 2 large departments demonstrated tensions around grading. Their descriptions of change as an ongoing process aligned with CBAM and required them to consider new approaches and perspectives. While discourse about assessment and grading frequently focuses on learners, these findings support institutional consideration of the impact of changes in assessment on teaching faculty.

Partnerships between universities and nonprofit transition coaching organizations to increase student success.

AIMS: This study aims to understand the motivations and benefits for universities and nonprofit college access and success organizations to develop formal partnerships. METHODS: Participants in this study were staff from a major urban research university (n = 22) and four nonprofit organizations (n = 17) that promote college access and success among underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation college students. Participants engaged in an audio-recorded interview that was transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Data suggested that staff from the universities and nonprofit organizations were both holistic in their understanding of college student success. In addition, they were both motivated to form partnerships in an effort to reduce barriers to success, although they, at times, identified different barriers that they wanted the partnership to address. Both university and nonprofit staff saw increased effectiveness of their practice as a result of partnering and university staff gained a better understanding of the greater nonprofit college access and success community. CONCLUSION: Given the intense support that nonprofit organizations are able to provide with their level of funding, partnerships with universities can increase the success of underrepresented, low-income, and first-generation college students.

TAT: normas aperceptivas en pacientes institucionalizados con trastorno mental grave y prolongado / TAT: apperceptive norms in hospitalized patients with severe and prolonged mental disorders

El Test de Apercepción Temática (TAT) es un test proyectivo inventado en 1935. Repasamos su origen, fundamento y utilidad a través del uso que del test han realizado diversos autores a lo largo de su historia. Asimismo, revisamos sus aplicaciones más recientes y reflexionamos sobre sus posibilidades. Por último, replicamos el estudio del que se sirvió Saul Rosenzweig para establecer normas de apercepción temática que se disponen en población general. En el presente estudio, con una metodología más rigurosa que la descrita por Rosenzweig, sugerimos un patrón de respuesta al test en sujetos con trastorno mental grave (fundamentalmente, esquizofrenia) que podría emplearse en análisis actuales de las respuestas al test

The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a projective test created in 1935. In this article, its origin, bases and the usefulness that has shown throughout its history are reviewed. In addition, we examine its more recent applications and reflect on its possibilities. Finally, we replicate the study conducted by Saul Rosenzweig in order to establish adult apperceptive norms in the general population. In this paper, with a more rigorous methodology than that of Rosenzweig, we suggest a response pattern in individuals with severe mental disorders (mostly, schizophrenia)