Application of Somatic Inkblot Test in Personality Assessment, Screening and Therapeutic Intervention

Bankey L. Dubey & Anand Dubey

(SIS Journal of Projective Psychology & Mental Health, (2022):29:2, 97-103).

The Somatic Inkblot test (SIT) is highly innovative and, in a sense, a "time machine." The SIT automates the entire “life-cycle of the psychological test” including administration, scoring, interpretation, reporting and diagnostic collaboration. In addition to quantitative analysis, the SIT facilitates and emphasizes content analysis, psychoanalytic interpretation, and symbolic interpretation via a database of research and case studies made available as “hints”. “Facts” and “Artificial Intelligence”. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the test. The SIT was taken by a 40-year female, married, having symptoms of depression, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts for the last 5 years. She was diagnosed as a case of reactive Depression. The SIS responses projected her disturbed erotic relationship, deprivation of affection during childhood from her mother, and nonsupport from her in-laws. The SIT imagery was used as a tool for therapeutic intervention resulting in a positive outcome.

Introduction:

Projective techniques particularly “Inkblot tests” are especially helpful in evaluating persons with limited language and verbal skills. Such people usually rely more on visualization and adapt better to projective techniques than verbal interviews or tests that require reading questionnaires. The unstructured/ semi structured images tend to bank on the language of dreams, and symbolic thoughts as the most basic forms of thinking and expression. It is also the language of repression which brings out whatever is buried in the unconscious layers of the mind to consciousness, and hence accessible for processing. Expressions stimulated by ambiguous imagery can be used in therapy to test insight and to help measure treatment progress. 

Rorschach Inkblot test (1921) and Holtzman Inkblot Test (1956) are well established tests, used for individual testing. Somatic Inkblot Test -I [Card form] (1980) and Somatic Inkblot Test –II [Booklet form] (1990) are comparatively newer projective tests which may be administered at the individual or group level. The Somatic Inkblot Test -online version (Dubey & Dubey, 2018, 2021) is the first online inkblot test with added value. It is a cloud-based web test, which can help clients even in remotest area and reduces tester’s anxiety. 

What is the Somatic Inkblot Test (SIT 30 Images - online version)?

The Somatic Inkblot test (SIT) is a 30 image, semi-structured, projective, diagnostic test, and claims to be a powerful adjunct to psychotherapy. The test is available at our website: www.dubayhealingcenter.com. It was released for quick assessment, after 30 years of intense data collection on clinical, organizational, and typically functioning groups. Researchers have reported high reliability and validity (Cassell and Dubey, 1998; Dubey et al, 2019). Research papers published in the journal, “SIS Journal of Projective Psychology and Mental Health''(www.somaticinkblots.com) clearly show the advantages of the test, both in the “individual” as well as “group administration” settings.

The SIT automates the entire “life cycle of the psychological test” including administration, scoring, interpretation, reporting and diagnostic collaboration. In addition to quantitative analysis, the SIT facilitates and emphasizes content analysis, psychoanalytic interpretation, and symbolic interpretation via a database of research and case studies made available as “hints”, “facts” and “Artificial Intelligence”. It takes about 30 minutes to complete the test.

The SIT is highly innovative and, in a sense, a "time machine." It takes the viewer back in time and helps in releasing unprocessed unconscious material. If there is unresolved painful material in the past memory storage, the projected responses will tend to be shaped by this material. What emerges in projective awareness is deep seated material, even though the viewer may have long forgotten the buried traumatic imagery and associated affect. It facilitates the expression of feelings and earlier forgotten life events underlying many forms of mental illness and conversion pain. 

The technique is based on spontaneous, individually generated responses to inkblot images/ figures, which elicit intrapsychic associations specific to the person taking the test. The images evoke symbolism and meanings unique to the responding individual. The test responses can be differentiated from peer norms and clinical indices and can be analyzed according to internationally recognized psycho-diagnostic criteria. The procedure is an adjunct to psychotherapy because the responses can be further explored to create a more effective treatment plan, and can be re-addressed in later discussions, providing opportunities to elicit deeply defended unconscious material. 

The SIT has11 scoring indices common to Rorschach inkblot test and Holtzman inkblot Test, such as: Total number of Responses, Human Responses, Animal Responses, Anatomical Responses, Sex Responses, Other Responses, Most Typical Responses, Typical Responses, Movement Responses, Rejection of images and Pathological responses (Pathological Anatomy Scale, Hostility Aggression Scale, Depression Scale and Paranoia Scale).

Currently, the SIT is used in clinical settings for personality assessment and therapeutic intervention; it is being used in business organization for team building and team selection, it is being used for detecting sex offenders in school systems and last but not the least, as a social match-making tool (Cassell & Dubey, 2003; Compagnoni & Dubey, 2020; Dubey, 2020; Dubey, Agrawal & Palia, 2001; Dubey, Banerjee & Dubey, 2019, Dubey & Dubey, 2012, 2018; Manickam, & Dubey, 2021; Mishra, Pandey, & Kumar, 2020, Singh & Dubey, 2021, 2022; Singh & Dwivedi, 2020). What makes the SIT- 30 unique is that individuals can take the test in the privacy of their own homes while feeling secure, uninterrupted, and confident. The responses given on various images are analyzed via an analysis game and then shared with individual clients with workable solutions. The mental health management system allows a global team of experts to be utilized in providing analysis and intervention. 

Robust case management and artificial intelligence are built into the mental health management system, and this allows quick and effective intervention. The online portal is available worldwide and is bringing consumers and providers together despite geographical barriers. Please visit our website and take the test to see its simple administration, scoring and interpretation (http://www.dubayhealingcenter.com).

Application of SIT in Industry and Business Organizations:

The primary responsibility of managers is the optimal utilization of the existing resources under their jurisdiction. Each manager needs to empower their staff to ensure maximum cost-effective utilization of material resources. Due to the economic downturn, many industries are in crises and leaders must prioritize the goals and the assets of the business which they are operating for the survival of their organizations. Re-structuring, right sizing and monitoring critical economic measures have become the priority of the day.  Business owners are looking towards an executive who can create miracles. Under such stressful scenarios, a few organizations who take advantage of modern technology in psychologically assessing workers will have great comparative economic advantage. 

Pre-employment personality profiles, assessment, and tests are becoming popular during employee selection process. When the right personality assessment is used as part of the hiring process, it is expected to tremendously benefit the organization.  The SIT application empowers the selection processes by more rapidly screening a person with desirable traits such as an individual who is mature, confident, is a visionary, a good team-maker etc. It also brings out to the surface information which the individual failed to report in a standard interview. Moreover, once the candidate is initially selected in an industry, owing to the opportunity of having a follow-up with the SIT being a relatively objective computerized instrument, can prevent economic losses that may occur later if the person is found to be a mismatch with regard to the demands of the job. 

The Somatic inkblot test is also administered to executives in various private and public sector organizations in India for personality assessment during selection and promotion interviews. The findings have been very encouraging. The SIT was found to be a dependable test in assessing certain important traits such as “Interpersonal Relationship, Healthy Mind-Body Imagery, Team Building, Creativity, Imaginative ability, Controlled hostility and aggression, Erotic disturbances, and Ego strength”, which are much required among successful business executives. 

Application of SIT in Clinics: 

The SIT images can highlight otherwise hidden aspects of the inner emotional world of individuals taking the test. These may reveal to the professional certain past traumatic events and unexpressed distressing emotions which might, otherwise, only surface in disguised symbolic dreams. During clinical interviews, lot of unprocessed unconscious materials is brought out to the surface. Such material is very useful during therapeutic intervention and many clients commented that the “test is particularly designed for me”. The purpose of psychotherapy is “to make the client conscious of the underpinnings of exhibited mental states” and the SIT responses are found to be an effective intervention procedure. Many clinical cases are reported in a recent SAGE publication (Dubey et al, 2019 and in 56 issues of the SIS Journal of Projective Psychology and Mental Health (www.somaticinkblots.com).

Somatic Inkblot images have also been used in a variety of clinical cases to detect early symptoms with positive results. The SIT responses were able to discriminate among the major diagnostic groups such as Anxiety disorder, Psychosomatic disorder, Affective disorder, PTSD, Sexual disorder, Alcohol, Drug and Substance abuse, Depression, Suicidal ideation, Schizophrenia and Criminals (Cassell & Dubey, 2003; Dubey et al, 2019). The projected responses of a case having Depression with PTSD have been interpreted in the present article to understand the efficacy of the Somatic Inkblot Test.

Application of SIT in Schools to have safe employees:

It is a documented fact that victims of child sexual abuse are at a much higher risk. In several cases, it leads to long-term psychological and physical disorders including depression, guilt, and anxiety. The lingering memories of sexual abuse in schools are often difficult to suppress. The schools must be safe for children. Parents should be able to trust teachers and other employees such as bus drivers, cleaners, security guards, and other staff in the proximity of the children. Sexual abuse generally takes place in familiar settings like school toilets, playgrounds, while on transportation or while students are on field trips. The administration should also protect and keep children safe from abuse, assault, bullying, and other traumatic events. In most cases, the perpetrator runs away from the school and is often not punished. We don’t have biometric data base to check such people in developing countries. They go un-detected and often shift from one school to another and repeat their behaviors.

Keeping the above facts in view, the school system must hire employees who are safe for the children. They should be mature, have smooth interpersonal relationships and adjustment, be reality-oriented and have awareness of surroundings, with non-hostile attitude and have no erotic conflict. Persons with such positive traits are expected to be a good fit in the school system. The SIT images are found helpful in detecting people having undesirable personality traits. 

Application of SIT in Forensic Laboratories to detect Criminals:

The analysis of inkblot response suggests the following possible indicators leading to the detection of criminals:

High number of aggression and hostility, (HAS), preponderance of murder, blood, attacks, conviction, homicide/suicide, high erotic responses (perceiving more sexual anatomy, and sexual body parts such as genitalia, breasts, bust, preponderance of sex responses (more than 5) even on images not depicting erotic imagery,  immaturity (low Human and high Animal responses), low “Most Typical (MT) responses, (Evading reality and social norms).The SIT responses help in detecting persons with criminal personality orientation.

Application of SIT in Matchmaking:

Parity among the couples is the most important factor, which must be ascertained before the marriage. Most of the couples say that they like each other, she/he looks presentable and is a very caring person. However, even after staying together for years, they are not aware of the inner motivating unconscious forces of their partners. Knowing about their family, education, income, and social status is not enough. The Somatic images help in understanding the total personality profile (level of self, interpersonal relationship with different sets of people, awareness of surroundings and contact with reality, level of erotic desire, expression of hostility and aggression, level of team-making and expression of feelings). These traits must be matched to ensure compatibility among the couple.  The SIT may help in understanding the total personality and the kind of parson one is.

The SIT in a case of Depression and PTSD:

The Case:

The present case is discussed to highlight the efficacy of SIT images. 

The perceived feelings of being neglected by parents during childhood and early adolescence, followed by traumatic experiences of non-satisfaction after marriage with husband may lead to depressive thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. Even a few years back, majority of marriages in India used to be arranged in nature where both partners were unknown to each other’s habit patterns and personality profile. They have a lot of aspirations and expectations from their partners. If the expectations of either partner get shattered, it may lead to depression and trauma. The present case study highlights the management of a female client having PTSD.

Mrs. X, 40 years old, married, graduate, was referred for assessment and therapeutic intervention for symptoms of being depressed, having a sense of loneliness and suicidal thoughts.  She had a typical developmental pattern and was an average student throughout. As she narrated, she did not get much support and affection from her mother because she was dark-complexioned and was less beautiful in comparison to her sister and brother, though she looked pretty good. 

After marriage, her mother-in-law did not treat her well and her father in-law tried to have intimate relations with her. She informed her husband about it. After knowing the incident her husband talked about it to his father and decided to leave his parent’s home with his wife and started living separately. She had one teenage son. As she described, she did not get affection from her mother during her childhood and adolescence, and support from her in-laws after marriage. The client likes her husband as he is very supportive and caring.  She expressed her “physical dissatisfaction” about her intimate relationship and finds her husband sexually less interested, withdrawn and often an incapable person. Even in the early days of their conjugal life, she reported that he had premature ejaculation. She recollected, “I wanted to get divorced but could not do that because my mother was not supporting me, and I did not have a place to go back. However, his caring nature, loving and protective attitude is helping me to be bonded in the family. “Relaxation and supportive therapy had improved her depressive symptoms to some extent, and she was advised to continue it further. 

The client took the Somatic Inkblot Test - online version (Dubey & Dubey, 2018). An Inquiry was made during the first session. Her responses were interpreted using content analysis, symbolism, and psycho-analytic interpretation (Cassell & Dubey, 2003, Dubey, Banerjee, & Dubey, 2019, Lerner, 1991, Schafer,1954). 

Image 1: “Mother’s Womb” which indicates her “regression”, the unconscious desire of security to be in her mother’s womb. She feels that the present environment is not very cozy and secure. 

Image 2: “Dried leaves”, a depressing content. Normally people see plants in this image. ‘Dried leaves’ may be interpreted as an indicator of depression. On inquiry, she correlated the dried leaves with her present situation.

Image 3:” in this image which may indicate her desire to share her love and need to be loved, which she feels deprived of. 

Image 4: “Sports” and avoided the most common response “Teddy”. Teddy represents childhood memories. Seeing teddy bear playing/enjoying indicates happy childhood (particularly during the first 5 to 6 years). Avoidance of the typical response of ‘Teddy’ may indicate her disturbed childhood as perceived by the client accompanied by unhealthy comparison with her siblings on the part of her mother. 

Image 5: “Women” though “dancing lady” or “Woman in action” is the most common response. The dancing lady may indicate that the person has contact with reality, adequate ego strength, good interpersonal relationship, and a happy mood. She failed to perceive the dancing lady and the other common response, namely, “Apple”. Avoiding perceiving “apple” and “dancing lady” by a female may indicate that the happiness from her life has gone away and she has traumatic experience, which needs to be addressed during therapy session. Avoiding dancing lady and apple may also indicate erotic conflict and frustration in interpersonal relationship with her husband.  

Image 6: “Two ladies dancing” which is a normal response though “two persons - a male and a female” would have been a much better response. She has avoided perceiving two persons male and female, because of her painful interaction with her husband. 

Image 7. “Some body part” in this image. Normally people perceive “Ear/Fetus”. Avoiding perceiving the fetus may indicate either a desire of pregnancy to have another child (pregnant) or regression to the fetus as projected in image 1. On inquiry, she expressed her desire to have another child. Avoidance of perceiving “ear” may also indicate that her close family members have not given attention to address her problems.

Image 8. “Someone blessing” as a normal response and symbolizes spiritual support and help.  When a person has lost hopes to get a positive outcome and is left with no alternatives, she may take shelter in spirituality and higher power. Such belief is more common in the Indian context. It may also indicate spiritual healing and desire to get affection, of which she had considerable deprivation in her personal life.

Image 9.” Birds” in this image. Two birds kissing / playing is the normal response in this image, which indicates good interpersonal relationship. Normally couples having conflicting relationships may avoid seeing birds kissing or making love.  Avoiding the birds to interact may also indicate frustrated love relationship, which is evident from her case history.

Image 10. “Rib cage” in this image which is a normal response indicating that she is in touch with reality. 

 Image 11. “Broken heart” in this image, though heart is a normal response. A person having conflict in love relations, or frustrated love affairs may perceive a broken heart. It also indicates depressive features. 

Image 13. “Happiness” may indicate good memories shared with her father. She has avoided seeing two kids in either side which may indicate the non-supporting attitude and traumatic memory of her father figure (Father in-law) because of whom the client and her husband left their parental home and shifted to another city. The client was very sad during the inquiry to remember such moments. 

Image 15. “Female Phallic Part” which is a normal response. It may also indicate healthy body imagery, and “Self” which protects her from further breakdown.

Image 16. “Ultrasound” which may indicate her desire to have pregnancy and another child. The theme of image 7 is repeated and she needs to be addressed on this issue during therapy session.

Image 17. “Soldier” and avoided breast – the most common response. Rejection of the breast may indicate deprivation of love and affection from her mother which is confirmed by the client. She feels bad remembering her non-supporting mother. 

Image 18. She viewed this image as “mother and son” instead of perceiving “Man and Woman” or “husband and wife” which is the most common response to this image. This may indicate a disturbed interpersonal relationship with her husband. However, perception of “mother and son” may indicate her caring attitude and affection towards her husband. 

Image 19. “Skull” in this image though father and son is the most common response. Avoidance of perceiving “father and son” may indicate conflict with the father figure (father-in-law) which is confirmed by the client and her case history. 

Image 21. “Knife” which may indicate mild outward aggression. 

Image 23. “Fish” in this image which represents male phallic organ. She finds that the fish in static condition symbolizes the passive behavior of her husband which is confirmed by her case history. 

Image 24. “Globe” in this image and rejected “two hearts” which is the most common response to this image. It may indicate frustrated/ disturbed personal relationship with her husband. Two hearts symbolize two lovers, two persons of opposite sex, and sharing of affections. 

Image 25. “Smoke” in this image which may Indicate anxiety and frustration.

Image 26. “Dead body and departure of the soul” is the normal response in this image.

Image 27. “Siblings” which may indicate her desire to have another child.

Image 28. She perceived “Grandmother” in this image and rejected the most common response “mother: holding child.” This may indicate her conflict with her mother. She has also avoided mother’s perception on Image 17. On further probing, tears rolled down and she shared the sad moments with her uncaring mother. It could have improved her attitude towards “mother figure” provided she had an affectionate mother-in-law. Her psychotherapist must address this issue during therapy session.     

Image 29. “Disabled” person in this image which may indicate her depressive mood and feelings of helplessness.

Image 30. “Family” in this image though “Father, Mother and two children” would have been a better response. Avoiding naming Father and Mother may indicate her conflict and traumatic experiences with her mother, and father figure (father-in-law) which have been expressed in her case history.

Conclusion:

The SIT is a reliable, dependable projective test. Its applicability in clinical cases, business organization, school systems, and forensic field has been highlighted. The SIT responses of a case of 40 years, graduate, married, having symptoms of depressive feelings, hopelessness, and suicidal thoughts have been discussed to understand the efficacy of projective images. 

References:

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