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.

The impact of the identity crisis on the adjustment of late adolescent males.

The relationship between ego identity status and MMPI scores was investigated using 73 college males. Identity status was assessed using a semistructured interview. The results obtained indicated that subjects in the identity achievement status obtained MMPI scores which fell within the normal range of functioning. Subjects currently involved in working on identity issues (moratorium status) obtained a pattern of scores indicating the presence of psychological conflict, as did foreclosure subjects-that is, subjects who are characterized by rigid adherence to parental norms and values. Subjects who had not successfully resolved their identity crisis (identity diffusion status) had MMPI scores within the normal range. The findings partly support Erikson's theorizing on ego identity and indicate that further analysis and refinement of Marcia's typology is required. Results from the present study also indicate that future research with male subjects on ego identity status should include some assessment of sexual attitudes.

Death fantasies of father-absent and father-present late adolescents.

Parental perceptions of father-absent and father-present late adolescents were studied by having them create stories to selected pictures from the Thematic Apperception Test and the Michigan Pictures Test. Ratings on the manifest thematic content of the stories revealed that father-present females, but not males, introduced themes of death and loss involving the parents with significantly greater frequency than did late adolescents who had actually lost their fathers. One of the tasks of adolescence, as described in psychoanalytic writings, is decathecting internalized parental images. It is possible that father-present females produced significantly more death and loss themes because they were actively coping with their fantasies of parental loss. The significantly fewer fantasies of parental loss given by father-absent females is consistent with this psychoanalytic model which suggests that the loss of a parent at an earlier developmental period complicates the decathexis process in adolescence. Reasons for the failure to find differences between father-absent and father-present males are discussed, and suggestions for future research are provided.