Imaginative elaboration in agenesis of the corpus callosum: topic modeling and perplexity.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have found deficits in imaginative elaboration and social inference to be associated with agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC; Renteria-Vasquez et al., 2022; Turk et al., 2009). In the current study, Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) responses from a neurotypical control group and a group of individuals with ACC were used to further study the capacity for imaginative elaboration and story coherence. METHOD: Topic modeling was employed utilizing Latent Diritchlet Allocation to characterize the narrative responses to the pictures used in the TAT. A measure of the difference between models (perplexity) was used to compare the topics of the responses of individual participants to the common core model derived from the responses of the control group. Story coherence was tested using sentence-to-sentence Latent Semantic Analysis. RESULTS: Group differences in perplexity were statistically significant overall, and for each card individually (p < .001). There were no differences between the groups in story coherence. CONCLUSIONS: TAT narratives from persons with ACC were normally coherent, but more conventional (i.e., more similar to the core text) compared to those of neurotypical controls. Individuals with ACC can make conventional social inferences about socially ambiguous stimuli, but are restricted in their imaginative elaborations, resulting in less topical variability (lower perplexity values) compared to neurotypical controls.

Object relations assessment predicts outpatients' attrition, early working alliance and psychotherapy process.

This study investigated the predictive utility of assessing clients' object relations functioning to prognosticate therapy dropout, quality of the early working alliance and psychotherapy process events reported by clients after their first five sessions. Clients accepting a recruitment invitation were administered the thematic apperception test (TAT) shortly after intake, and those still in treatment three to four sessions later rated the working alliance and psychotherapy process events. Participants were 47 clients beginning psychotherapy with advanced doctoral practicum students at a university-based community-serving training clinic. The Social Cognition and Object Relations Scales (SCORS), an object relations scoring system for TAT stories, was used to assess object relations functioning. The California Psychotherapy Alliance Scales-Patient form measured four dimensions of the alliance. The Therapy Orientation Process Scales, created from the Psychotherapy Process Q-set, measured clients' perceptions of therapy process events as involving relatively more psychodynamic or cognitive behavioural techniques. The SCORS significantly predicted remaining in therapy, client ratings of stronger working alliance and typical therapy process as more psychodynamic than cognitive behavioural. SCORS complexity of representations and capacity for emotional investment in relationships scales were the strongest predictors, especially of the patient commitment facet of the alliance. The findings suggest that (1) beginning psychotherapy with object relations assessment can be useful for treatment planning and (2) the relationship between clients' object relations functioning, working alliance and greater sensitivity to psychodynamic than to cognitive behavioural interventions depends on the aspect of object relations that is being assessed.

Processing of emotionally ambiguous stimuli in eating disorders: an fMRI pilot study.

PURPOSE: People with eating disorders (EDs) have difficulties understanding their own emotions and recognizing the emotions of others, especially in ambiguous settings. We examined the neuronal mechanisms underlying the emotion processing of ambiguous interpersonal stimuli in EDs and healthy controls (HCs). METHODS: The fMRI data were acquired by a blocked experimental design with 28 women (14 EDs) during the visual presentation of a modified Thematic Apperception Test. RESULTS: EDs showed very strong associations between experienced and inferred emotions evoked by the stimuli; no such relationship was found in HCs. HCs displayed elevated left anterior insula activity during the mentalizing condition; EDs showed increased activity in the right supramarginal gyrus and medial prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSION: The two groups seem to apply different strategies for judging emotionally ambiguous stimuli, albeit resulting in equivalent judgments. We assume that activity in the supramarginal gyrus and insula in EDs is linked with suppressing their own perspective while considering emotional states, probably due to alexithymia and the lack of awareness of their own mental states. We hypothesize that the strong correlation between experienced and inferred emotions in EDs could reflect their tendency to use others as a reference point for perceiving themselves and gaining information about their affective state. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: No level of evidence, this is a basic science study.

[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.

Assessing Criterion A of the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders: The Potential of Performance-Based Personality Measures.

The conceptualization of personality disorder has been refined through recent nosological advances introduced in the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD). These advances locate self and interpersonal (dys)function at the core of personality pathology. Self-report personality assessment instruments have demonstrated promise in the assessment of Criterion A domains. However, research highlighting the utility of performance-based personality assessment instruments has been largely absent in these advances, despite acknowledgment of their potential. We adhered to PRISMA review guidelines to survey and assess the potential relevance and utility of select performance-based personality instruments in assessing Criterion A domains of the AMPD. We conclude that performance-based personality measures are uniquely positioned to assess maladaptive self- and interpersonal functioning and may address some limitations of self-report measures. Toward this end, we propose a working model that provides ranges of test scores that correspond to the 5-point scale of the Criterion A domains of the AMPD.

Arousing Motives or Eliciting Stories? On the Role of Pictures in a Picture-Story Exercise.

Picture-story exercises (PSE) form a popular measurement approach that has been widely used for the assessment of implicit motives. However, current theorizing offers two diverging perspectives on the role of pictures in PSEs: either to elicit stories or to arouse motives. In the current study, we tested these perspectives in an experimental design. We administered a PSE either with or without pictures. Results from N = 281 participants revealed that the experimental manipulation had a medium to large effect for the affiliation and power motive domains, but no effect for the achievement motive domain. We conclude that the herein chosen pictures cues function differentially across motives, as they aroused the affiliation and power motives, but not the achievement motive.

Clinical considerations in the psychological evaluation of gestational surrogates: uses of narrative assessment.

Potential risks and ethical considerations inherent in surrogacy arrangements place tremendous responsibility on mental health professionals performing the necessary assessments, yet there is little discussion and no consensus on the best testing protocol. In the U.S., the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) are the most common psychological measures used to screen gestational surrogates (GSs), although these self-report symptom inventories reveal tendencies to underreport, deny problems and present positive impressions that may conceal important clinical information. This study examines the utility of a multi-method approach in the psychological evaluation of GS candidates. A total of 43 women cleared to be GSs completed the PAI and an abbreviated protocol of a narrative construction assessment measure (The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)) as part of the psychological screening process. Findings of the study show that utilising a multi-method approach in the psychological consideration of a GS can address the limitations inherent in a single-measure assessment approach. Including a narrative measure such as the TAT that is less affected by defensiveness found on self-report scales may allow for more subtleties in interpretation, helping assessors to identify women who may have particular psychological vulnerabilities. These might then be addressed through implications counselling.

SCORS-G and Card Pull Effect of TAT Stories: A Study With a Nonclinical Sample of Children.

Previous research has shown that stimulus pull is one of the contributory factors influencing Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) responses. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of studies examining this. In particular, the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method (SCORS-G) has been employed to examine stimulus pull in adult clinical and nonclinical samples. The present study is the first attempt to examine this issue in a nonclinical sample of children. Ninety-eight children from Italian elementary (1st to 5th grade) and middle (6th to 8th grade) schools provided narratives to six TAT cards (1, 2, 3BM, 4, 8BM, and 16). Some important findings with regard to variance within scales replicate prior findings from other studies. Furthermore, some findings regarding the specific nature of pull for particular TAT cards (1, 2, 3BM, and 4) replicate prior work. Given that Cards 8BM and 16's SCORS-G stimulus properties have not been previously studied, the pull of these cards is explored. Last, SCORS-G differences/similarities across these two age groups are highlighted. Suggestions for further research in this field are also provided, particularly concerning the use of SCORS-G and TAT for clinical assessment.

Análise de Artigos sobre o Teste de Apercepção Temática (TAT) no Brasil / Analysis of Articles on the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) in Brazil / Análisis de Artículos en el Test de Apercepción Temática (TAT) en Brasil

Resumo: O Teste de Apercepção Temática (TAT) é um instrumento projetivo usado para avaliação da personalidade. Devido ao aumento da utilização do TAT no Brasil em diferentes contextos, percebeu-se a necessidade de realizar uma revisão narrativa. Objetiva-se analisar a produção científica de estudos empíricos em relação aos principais objetivos, características metodológicas e principais resultados. Foram recuperados 18 artigos das bases de dados SciELO, LILACS, PePSIC. Os estudos foram submetidos à análise temática considerando os objetivos principais. Os resultados indicaram uma distribuição desproporcional de publicações nos últimos 15 anos, com maior produção no sudeste do país. Notou-se maioria de estudos qualitativos do tipo exploratório, sendo prevalentes estudos realizados com participantes mulheres, e uso do TAT como instrumento único. Conclui-se a necessidade da realização de estudos empíricos nas diversas regiões do país, com diferentes idades e gêneros para ampliar o escopo do uso do teste.

Abstract: The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a projective instrument used to assess individuals' personality. The increase in the use of TAT in Brazil in different contexts entailed the need for a narrative review. This study aimed to analyze the scientific production of empirical studies by evaluating its main objectives, methodological characteristics, and results. In total, 18 articles were retrieved from the SciELO, Lilacs, and PePSIC databases. The studies were subjected to thematic analysis considering their main objectives. Results indicated a disproportionate distribution of publications in the last 15 years, with higher production in the Brazilian southeast. Qualitative exploratory studies predominated, especially those with female participants and TAT as a single instrument. In conclusion, empirical studies must be carried out in different regions of the country with different ages and genders to expand the scope of the use of the test.

Resumen: El Test de Apercepción Temática (TAT) es una herramienta proyectiva utilizada en la evaluación de la personalidad. Debido al aumento en el uso de TAT en Brasil en diferentes contextos, surgió la necesidad de realizar una revisión narrativa. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la producción científica de los estudios empíricos con relación a los principales objetivos, características metodológicas y principales resultados. Dieciocho artículos fueron recolectados de las bases de datos SciELO, LILACS y PePSIC. Se sometieron los estudios a análisis temático considerando los objetivos principales. Los resultados muestran una distribución desproporcionada de publicaciones en los últimos quince años, con mayor producción en el Sudeste del país. Hubo una mayoría de estudios cualitativos exploratorios, con predominio de estudios realizados con participantes del sexo femenino, y la utilización del TAT como única herramienta. Se concluye que es necesario realizar estudios empíricos en diferentes regiones del país, con diferentes grupos etarios y de género, para ampliar el alcance del uso de la prueba.

Is the Achievement Motive Gender-Biased? The Validity of TAT/PSE in Women and Men.

In picture story exercises like the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT; Heckhausen, 1963), different pictures are presented to a person with the instruction to create a story using the scenes portrayed in the image. It is assumed, that people identify themselves with the people in the images and project their unconscious motives (e.g., achievement motive) onto them. As the TAT shows only men in the pictures, critics claimed the test is gender-biased; assuming women cannot identify with men in pictures. However, it was not assessed, whether female protagonists of the picture really trigger the same achievement motive as men. Therefore, two studies were conducted to address the gender difference and validity of the TAT using a version with only men in the pictures (study 1) or only women in the pictures (study 2). The results shows that the original TAT of Heckhausen is a valid instrument for women and men, but the modified version with only women in the pictures cannot validly measure the achievement motive in the male sample.

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)

Validity of the TAT in Brazil: Theoretical and Methodological Issues / Validade do TAT no Brasil: Questões Teóricas e Metodológicas

Abstract Although the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is popular in Brazil, showing evidences of its validity remains a challenge. In the present article, we discuss such issue by analyzing the definition of the TAT as a projective method and a psychological test, its use by different theoretical traditions, relations between nomothetic and idiographic analysis levels, limitations of Classical Test Theory for evaluating the instrument's properties, and challenges regarding research and practice with the instrument in Brazil. We advocate that overcoming a traditional view of projective techniques, using multidimensional methods and performing wider empirical studies on norms and validation evidences with multicenter databases may allow more secure and informed practices with the instrument among researchers and practitioners in the country.

Resumo Apesar da popularidade do Teste de Apercepção Temática (TAT) no Brasil, a demonstração de evidências de sua validade ainda permanece um desafio. No presente artigo, discutimos essa questão problematizando a definição do TAT como método projetivo e teste psicológico, abordando seu uso por diferentes correntes teóricas, relações entre os níveis nomotético e idiográfico de análise, limitações da Teoria Clássica dos Testes para avaliar suas propriedades, bem como os desafios na pesquisa e prática com o instrumento no país. Defendemos que superar a visão tradicional sobre as técnicas projetivas, utilizar métodos multidimensionais e realizar estudos empíricos mais amplos (sejam normativos ou de validação, usando bancos de dados multicêntricos) pode assegurar práticas melhor informadas com o instrumento para pesquisadores e profissionais.

Point-process nonlinear autonomic assessment of depressive states in bipolar patients.

INTRODUCTION: This article is part of the Focus Theme of Methods of Information in Medicine on "Biosignal Interpretation: Advanced Methods for Studying Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems". OBJECTIVES: The goal of this work is to apply a computational methodology able to characterize mood states in bipolar patients through instantaneous analysis of heartbeat dynamics. METHODS: A Point-Process-based Nonlinear Autoregressive Integrative (NARI) model is applied to analyze data collected from five bipolar patients (two males and three females, age 42.4 ± 10.5 range 32 -56) undergoing a dedicated affective elicitation protocol using images from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) and Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). The study was designed within the European project PSYCHE (Personalised monitoring SYstems for Care in mental HEalth). RESULTS: RESULTS demonstrate that the inclusion of instantaneous higher order spectral (HOS) features estimated from the NARI nonlinear assessment significantly improves the accuracy in successfully recognizing specific mood states such as euthymia and depression with respect to results using only linear indices. In particular, a specificity of 74.44% using the instantaneous linear features set, and 99.56% using also the nonlinear feature set were achieved. Moreover, IAPS emotional elicitation resulted in a more discriminant procedure with respect to the TAT elicitation protocol. CONCLUSIONS: A significant pattern of instantaneous heartbeat features was found in depressive and euthymic states despite the inter-subject variability. The presented point-process Heart Rate Variability (HRV) nonlinear methodology provides a promising application in the field of mood assessment in bipolar patients.

Luto e enfrentamento em portadoras de esclerose múltipla: diálogo com a teoria de Kübler-Ross / Grief and coping in patients with multiple sclerosis: dialogue with Kübler-Ross

A Esclerose Múltipla (EM) é uma doença crônica e progressiva, que causa perdas motoras, sensoriais e psicológicas. Objetivo: Compreender o processo de luto e enfrentamento de pessoas com esclerose múltipla, em diferentes períodos do diagnóstico, sob enfoque das proposições teóricas de Kübler-Ross sobre o processo de luto. Método: Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas e foi feita a aplicação das pranchas um e 11 do Teste de Apercepção Temática a três mulheres, uma delas estava em investigação diagnóstica para EM, uma tinha diagnóstico de EM há um ano e a terceira havia sido diagnosticada com EM há cinco anos. Utilizou-se análise de conteúdo temática para organização dos dados e a teoria do luto de Kübler-Ross para analisá-los. Resultados: Diferenças na forma como cada participante lidava com a EM puderam ser observadas. As participantes com diferentes períodos de diagnóstico/investigação vivenciavam fases distintas do processo de luto e utilizavam diferentes tipos de estratégias de enfrentamento. Conclusões: O adoecimento conduz ao luto, que pode ser uma forma para realizar o enfrentamento e ressignificar a vida na nova condição

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic and progressive disease that causes motor, sensory and psychological losses. Objective: To understand the process of grief and coping in people with multiple sclerosis, at different stages of diagnosis, based on Kübler-Ross' theoretical propositions of grief. Method: Semi-structured interview and application of pictures 1 and 11 of the Thematic Apperception Test to three women, one in diagnostic investigation for MS, one diagnosed with MS a year ago and the third has been diagnosed with MS for five years. We used thematic content analysis for data organization and the Kübler-Ross grief theory to analyze them. Results: Differences in the way each participant felt MS could be observed. The partici- pants at different stages of diagnosis/investigation experienced a different phase of the grief process and used different types of coping strategies. Conclusions: Illness leads to mourning, which can be a coping strategy to re-signify life in the new condition

Application analysis of thematic apperception test in the internet addiction / 中华行为医学与脑科学杂志

Objective To understand the potential internet addicts personality traits through the use of Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) and provide evidence for psychological therapy.Methods The experimental group included 34 outpatients defined as Internet Addiction Scale (IAS) ≥ 5 points,and the control group included 34 volunteers with the same age and the common cultural backgroud and defined as IAS ＜ 5 points.Results Compared with the control group,the internet addiction group had a higher desire projects including antisocial aggression (4.83±2.16),substance destroy (2.56± 1.61),intraggression (3.40±2.43) and passivity desires (2.65± 2.29) (P＜0.05).In contrast,the internet addiction group had a lower desire projects including achievements(2.31 ±2.14),domination (1.51±1.29),nurturance (2.30±2.34),succorance (1.80± 1.25) (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Compared with the control group,the internet addiction group had a higher pressure projects include emotion (3.90±2.81),emotional language offensive attack (3.62±2.18),physical social aggression (2.73±2.23),physical antisocial aggressive (3.95± 1.88),substance destroy (3.33± 1.78),nuturanced (4.53 ± 2.57),rejected (2.18 ± 2.19),loss (4.01±2.41),physical danger pressure (2.65±2.37) and total pressure (49.49± 36.16) (P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion Internet addiction patients have potential personality with ultra-low in superego,lack in ego,possess stronger in id.Outpatient treatment with internet addicts should focus on psychotherapy,and improve interpersonal relationships.

Em defesa do TAT: uma revisão crítica das pesquisas sobre o teste no Brasil / In defense of the TAT: A critical review of the test research in Brazil / En defensa del TAT: Una revisión crítica de las investigaciones sobre el test en Brasil

O artigo tem por objetivo sensibilizar profissionais e pesquisadores para a necessidade de pesquisas com o Teste de Apercepção Temática (TAT) no contexto brasileiro. Inicialmente, são mencionados os avanços e desafios atuais da Avaliação Psicológica no país, em especial com relação ao uso das chamadas técnicas projetivas. Em seguida, apresenta-se um breve panorama do uso do TAT internacionalmente e no Brasil, discutindo-se a necessidade de investir em pesquisas sobre as características do instrumento em si, tendo em vista a ausência de estudos recentes nessa direção no país. Por fim, são apresentadas sugestões no sentido de se retomar tais pesquisas, visando resgatar as possibilidades investigativas do TAT, bem como caracterizar seus alcances e limitações como teste psicológico...

The article aims to draw the attention of professional and research psychologists for the need of studies on the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) in the Brazilian context. First, the status of Psychological Assessment in the country is discussed, in terms of its advances and challenges, with an emphasis on the use of projective techniques. Later, a brief panorama is presented regarding the use of TAT in Brazil and abroad, along which the need of Brazilian studies on this instrument is discussed, especially regarding its intrinsic properties; as such studies have not been carried out recently in the country. Finally, suggestions are presented for resuming such studies, so that the potential of the TAT, as well as its scope and limitations as a psychological test can be known...

Este artículo tiene por objetivo sensibilizar profesionales e investigadores para la necesidad de investigaciones con el Test de Percepción Temática (TAT) en el contexto brasileño. Inicialmente, son mencionados los avances y desafíos actuales de la Evaluación Psicológica en el país, en especial con relación al uso de las llamadas técnicas proyectivas. En seguida, se presenta un breve panorama del uso internacional del TAT y su uso en Brasil, discutiéndose la necesidad de invertir en investigaciones sobre las características del instrumento en sí, haya vista la ausencia de investigaciones recientes en esta dirección en el país. Finalmente, se presentan sugerencias en el sentido de retomar tales investigaciones, para rescatar las posibilidades investigativas del TAT, así como caracterizar sus alcances y limitaciones como test psicológico...

Em defesa do TAT: uma revisão crítica das pesquisas sobre o teste no Brasil / In defense of the TAT: A critical review of the test research in Brazil / En defensa del TAT: Una revisión crítica de las investigaciones sobre el test en Brasil

O artigo tem por objetivo sensibilizar profissionais e pesquisadores para a necessidade de pesquisas com o Teste de Apercepção Temática (TAT) no contexto brasileiro. Inicialmente, são mencionados os avanços e desafios atuais da Avaliação Psicológica no país, em especial com relação ao uso das chamadas técnicas projetivas. Em seguida, apresenta-se um breve panorama do uso do TAT internacionalmente e no Brasil, discutindo-se a necessidade de investir em pesquisas sobre as características do instrumento em si, tendo em vista a ausência de estudos recentes nessa direção no país. Por fim, são apresentadas sugestões no sentido de se retomar tais pesquisas, visando resgatar as possibilidades investigativas do TAT, bem como caracterizar seus alcances e limitações como teste psicológico.(AU)

The article aims to draw the attention of professional and research psychologists for the need of studies on the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) in the Brazilian context. First, the status of Psychological Assessment in the country is discussed, in terms of its advances and challenges, with an emphasis on the use of projective techniques. Later, a brief panorama is presented regarding the use of TAT in Brazil and abroad, along which the need of Brazilian studies on this instrument is discussed, especially regarding its intrinsic properties; as such studies have not been carried out recently in the country. Finally, suggestions are presented for resuming such studies, so that the potential of the TAT, as well as its scope and limitations as a psychological test can be known.(AU)

Este artículo tiene por objetivo sensibilizar profesionales e investigadores para la necesidad de investigaciones con el Test de Percepción Temática (TAT) en el contexto brasileño. Inicialmente, son mencionados los avances y desafíos actuales de la Evaluación Psicológica en el país, en especial con relación al uso de las llamadas técnicas proyectivas. En seguida, se presenta un breve panorama del uso internacional del TAT y su uso en Brasil, discutiéndose la necesidad de invertir en investigaciones sobre las características del instrumento en sí, haya vista la ausencia de investigaciones recientes en esta dirección en el país. Finalmente, se presentan sugerencias en el sentido de retomar tales investigaciones, para rescatar las posibilidades investigativas del TAT, así como caracterizar sus alcances y limitaciones como test psicológico.(AU)

Expectativas e experiências da maternidade na gestação a termo e na gestação pré-termo: estudo comparativo com auxílio de Técnica Projetiva / Expectations and experiences of motherhood in pregnancy at term and preterm gestation: a comparative study with the aid of Projective Technique

A maternidade é uma das mais complexas conquistas da vida de uma mulher, entretanto, esta conquista nem sempre se dá de forma tranquila. Imprevistos podem acontecer no decorrer deste processo. Com o intuito de aprofundar o estudo acerca dos possíveis efeitos da prematuridade na relação mãe e filho, esta pesquisa procurou investigar, tanto retrospectivamente como na vivência atual, a experiência de mães cujos filhos nasceram a termo comparativamente às mães que tiveram seus bebês prematuramente. Utilizou-se de um referencial psicanalítico para análise dos dados coletados por meio de entrevistas e aplicação de pranchas do Teste de Apercepção Temática (TAT). A partir da interpretação e análise dos dados, foi possível perceber que as principais diferenças entre mães que tiveram seu filho prematuramente e mães que tiveram uma gestação a termo, dizem respeito às questões relacionadas aos temores e fantasias durante a gestação e não só em decorrência do nascimento prematuro.

Motherhood is probably one of the most complex achievements of a woman's life. Nevertheless, this achievement does not always take place smoothly, unforeseen events could arise during this process. In order to further assess the possible effects of prematurity on the mother-child relationship, this research sets out to evaluate both retrospectively as currently, the experience of mothers whose children were born at term compared to mothers who had their babies prematurely. A psychoanalytic approach to data analysis was carried out, being collected through interviews and planks of the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT). From the interpretation and analysis of data collected, it can be inferred that the main differences between mothers who had their child prematurely and mothers who underwent term pregnancies are related to the fears and fantasies taking place during pregnancy, rather than necessarily after the birth of de child.

Analysis of exploratory eye movements in patients with schizophrenia during visual scanning of projective tests' figures / Análise dos movimentos oculares de pacientes com esquizofrenia durante a exploração visual de figuras de testes projetivos

OBJECTIVE: Compare pattern of exploratory eye movements during visual scanning of the Rorschach and TAT test cards in people with schizophrenia and controls. METHOD: 10 participants with schizophrenia and 10 controls matched by age, schooling and intellectual level participated in the study. Severity of symptoms was evaluated with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Test cards were divided into three groups: TAT cards with scenes content, TAT cards with interaction content (TAT-faces), and Rorschach cards with abstract images. Eye movements were analyzed for: total number, duration and location of fixation; and length of saccadic movements. RESULTS: Different pattern of eye movement was found, with schizophrenia participants showing lower number of fixations but longer fixation duration in Rorschach cards and TAT-faces. The biggest difference was observed in Rorschach, followed by TAT-faces and TAT-scene cards. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest alteration in visual exploration mechanisms possibly related to integration of abstract visual information.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o padrão do movimento ocular durante a inspeção dos cartões dos testes projetivos Rorschach e TAT em pessoas com esquizofrenia e controles. MÉTODO: Participaram 10 sujeitos com esquizofrenia e 10 controles, pareados por idade, escolaridade e nível de inteligência. A severidade dos sintomas foi avaliada com a Escala das Síndromes Positiva e Negativa. Os cartões dos testes foram divididos em três grupos: figuras do TAT representando ambientes, figuras do TAT com faces humanas e figuras abstratas do teste Rorschach. Os movimentos oculares foram analisados para: número total, duração e localização das fixações e comprimento dos movimentos sacádicos. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas diferenças no padrão do movimento ocular, e pessoas com esquizofrenia apresentaram menos fixações nos cartões do teste Rorschach e TAT-faces. Maiores diferenças foram observadas nos cartões do Rorschach, seguidos pelo TAT-faces e, por último, TAT-ambiente. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados sugerem alteração nos mecanismos de exploração visual, possivelmente relacionada com a integração da informação visual abstrata.

Les agressions sexuelles: un aménagement des troubles narcissiques-identitaires / As agressões sexuais: uma organização de transtornos narcísico-identitários / Las agressiones sexuales: una organizacion de trastornos narcísico-identitários / Sexual aggression: adjustment of narcissistic-identity disorder

L'objet de cet article est de montrer, à travers deux cas, comment se traduisent, dans la clinique projective, certains aménagements pervers contre la menace de décompensation dépressive ou psychotique, problématique récurrente chez de nombreux agresseurs sexuels. L'auteur présente deux cas illustrant ces aménagements défensifs. Un cas de jeune adulte violeur dont la structure de personnalité psychotique est compensée par un mode de relation d'objet et des actes pervers glissant vers la perversité ce qui lui évite le recours au délire face à un péril d'inexistence. Et un autre cas d'adulte pédophile se défendant par ce biais contre des angoisses dépressives de type narcissique. Les épreuves projectives sont interprété en référence à la théorie psychanalytique.

O objetivo deste artigo é mostrar, por meio de dois casos, como se traduzem, na clínica projetiva, certas organizações perversas contra a ameaça de descompensação depressiva ou psicótica, problemática recorrente em muitos agressores sexuais. O autor apresenta dois casos que ilustram essas organizações defensivas. Um caso de um jovem adulto estuprador cuja estrutura de personalidade psicótica é compensada por um modo de relação do objeto e de atos perversos que se dirige para a perversidade, evitando o recurso ao delírio frente a um perigo de inexistência. Um outro caso de adulto pedófilo se defende por estas mesmas vias contra angústias depressivas de tipo narcísico. As provas projetivas são interpretadas com referência à teoria psicanalítica.

The study aims to illustrate, through two cases, how certain perverse adjustments against the threat of depressive or psychotic decompensation are expressed in projective clinical work, a recurrent problem in many sexual aggressors. The author presents two cases illustrating these defensive organizations. One case is related to a young adult rapist whose psychotic personality structure is compensated by an object relation and by perverse acts directed to perversity, avoiding delirium when faced with the risk of inexistence. The other case is related to a pedophile adult who uses these same strategies to defend himself against narcissistic depressive anxiety. The projective tests are interpreted based on the psychoanalytic theory.

El objetivo de cuesto articulo es mostrar, por medio de dos casos, como si traducen, en la clínica proyectiva, ciertas organizaciones perversas contra la amenaza de descompensación depresiva o psicótico, problemática recurrente en muchos agresores sexuales. El autor presenta dos casos que ilustran cuestas organizaciones defensivas. Un caso de un joven estuprador cuya estructura de personalidad psicótica es compensada por un modo de relación del objeto y de actos perversos que si direcciona para la perversidad, evitando el recurso al delirio frente a un peligro de inexistencia. Un otro caso de adulto pedófilo si defiende por cuestas mismas vías contra angustias depresivas del tipo Narcísio. Las pruebas proyectivas son interpretadas con referencia a la teoría psicoanalítica.