The ‘Fabulized Response’ on the Rorschach: Unintegration or Disintegration.
It is well known that the Rorschach Inkblot Method, hereafter referred to as RIM, is mainly used for the identification of personality pathologies. As a source of such comprehensive data about individuals, I have always been thinking about ways in which the RIM could also be used for non-pathological and more creative interpretations, especially as the face validity of the ten cards suggests works of Art.
I was encouraged by comments by Mondal and Kumar (2020) who suggested that future studies can focus on ’healthy’ personality signs eliciting positive aspects such as self growth and psychological resourcefulness.
The following information is an attempt to use some of the response types on the RIM to illustrate something other than pathology. I am aware of simplification and it is not my intention to detract from the complexity of the method, and its comprehensive use in clinical and forensic settings can never be denied.
Thomas H. Ogden in ‘Rediscovering Psychoanalysis’ (2009) refers to the time when psychoanalysts after much experience can use themselves in more creative and personal ways in relating to the work they do. It is in the spirit of rediscovering the RIM after many years of its use in various settings that I want to allow myself to ‘play’ with this method, almost like Winnicott used the ‘Squiggle Game’ in his therapeutic encounters with adolescents.
I shall first refer to some RIM research and follow with some psychological psychoanalytical concepts, before illustrating some coded responses on the RIM and finally attempt possible links between RIM response and psychological concepts.
RIM Research
In ‘Psychoanalytic Theory and the Rorschach’ (1991) Lerner suggested several possible interpretations for what he refers to as the ‘Fabulized Response’. This response might be coded under the Determinant category as M (Human Movement) when a fantasy aspect is included. He also referred to the ‘dynamic’ F (Form) determinant and distinguished between the fabulized versus the confabulized response, the former suggesting availability of fantasy in adaptive regression and the latter in maladaptive regression. To distinguish between the two forms of regression the form quality is the distinguishing element, where a positive value relates to adaptive regression. In the Content category emphasis is placed on embellishments as an openness to different types of experience, the capacity to relax controls and strict adherence to reality with a freedom to indulge in primary process.
It is inferred that the Lerner’s fabulized response is similar to what Exner (1995) terms the ‘Fabulized Combination’ coded as FABCOM Level I and II, hypothetically distinguishing between adaptive and maladaptive regression. Exner associated Level I responses with mild or modest illogical, peculiar and fluid thinking, while the Level II response reflects bizarre and inappropriate thinking.
In the illustration with coded responses hereunder, those responses that have a FABCOM I coding and the accompanied categories in which they appear, are used as examples.
Psychological Concepts
Winnicott (1965) used the concepts ‘unintegration’ when referring to a state of temporary regression which can be adaptive and allows for fluidity in thinking that expands and elaborates thought processes to include transformational ideas enriching ego functioning. There exists the potential to allow primary process thinking to emerge and enrich secondary process thinking.
Bollas (1997), in describing inner transformation and the formation of ’psychic genera’ refers to the creative process as the collecting of condensations which serve as the material of disseminative scattering... unbound ideas through which the person not only finds self-expression, but finds or rediscovers the route to unconscious freedom and personal creativity.
Kris's (1946) exploration of creative processes described relationships between creativity and primary process and a particular kind of ego control that allows for adaptive use of the primary process, which can also be described as regression in the service of the ego, a momentary and partially controlled use of primitive non-logical modes of thinking in the creative process.
RIM responses
Below are examples of RIM Responses with the Exner Coding of FABCOM I. The full sequence of coded scores in which each FABCOM I response appears, is included in brackets for each example.
1. "Goblins playing some kind of musical instrument. Some sort of flute and the pointed hat that you used to see on gnomes in the garden." (D+, Mp + (H), Sc, Cop, FABCOM I).
2. "Two bears holding some kind of sword. They are dancing bears. A Russian dance in the snow." (Do, S+, Ma, CF, FT (A) Sc Ag, FABCOM I).
3. "Two Koala bears leaning back playing the trombones." (D+Ma (A) Sc, Cop, FABCOM I).
4. "Two rabbits facing each other, fluffy tails, laughing with their mouths open, maybe sharing a joke, perhaps standing on a rock." (W+Mp FT (A) Ls Cop, FABCOM I).
5. "Two bears kissing, they are joining." (D+Ma (A) Cop, FABCOM I).
6. "Two birds kissing." (D+, Ma, (A), Cop, FABCOM I).
7. "Two people, identical shapes. Twin girls inside the uterus, on some stand looking at each other intently mirroring each other. Being held by something, the placenta, a symbolization." (W+, Mp, mp H, An Cop, FABCOM I).
These responses confirm the suggestion of FABCOM I as an indication of primary process elaborated into secondary process thinking in a creative manner, allowing for fluidity and the lessening of strict controls and adherence to reality, enabling creative perception and thinking.
The good form quality of responses and the use of animal figures with human movements in a cooperative manner suggest the use of fantasy but within the limits of reality. There seems to be the ability to retain a distanced, yet playful ability.
Conclusion
I would like to conclude with Lerner’s suggestion that when the ‘Fabulized’ response, coded with Exner’s FABCOM I, occurs with good form quality, human movement and rich embellishments, it can be interpreted as temporary adaptive regression or unintegration (Winnicott) in the service of the ego (Kris), and a sign of personal creativity as a route to unconscious transformation (Bollas).
In addition to the RIM’s use for the identification of personality pathology, I think it is useful for assessing the potential for personal growth. One can interpret the FABCOM I in a certain response constellation as a sign.
References:
Kris (1946), Winnicott (1965), Lerner (1991), Bollas (1992), Exner(1995), Ogden(2009), Mondal and Komar (2020), Walden(2022).
Johan is a qualified Psychologist (Clinical), based in Sea Point, Cape Town, South Africa.
With a commitment to mental health, Mr Grové provides services in Afrikaans and English, including Psychotherapy (Psychodynamic).
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