Self perception in the Rorschach of sexual abuse victims

Abstract

This study aimed at the validity of Rorschach in victims of sexual abuse. The 76 subjects were male and female, between 10 and 14 years old, ranging from elementary to high school, belonging to low and middle socio-economic levels and divided into a group of victims and a non-victims group. A socio-demographic form and the Rorchach Comprehensive System were used. The MANOVA Test showed significant differences between Rorchach indexes in answers of inanimate movement m, and in blood content B1. The answers of anatomic content An, morbid MOR, sexual Sx and formal quality FQ- showed higher scores in the victims group. The presence of a distorted self-perception and a low self-esteem in victims might result from the victimization process. These results are consistent with previous studies which support the use of Rorchach in the assessment of sexual abuse victims.