Abstract:
A case study approach was followed to determine the changes in the nature and use of affect of a sexually abused girl (age 9) while in psychotherapy. One outpatient was tested twice, one year apart, using the Rorschach Inkblot Method during the twenty-month period of psychotherapy. The two protocol results were compared for changes in the Affect cluster of Rorschach tested variables, according to Exner’s Comprehensive System. The results took into account the age of patient at the time of abuse, being at a preverbal age, and the psychotherapeutic process and content. Some of the results indicated similar dynamics to previous studies at the initial testing. The results further indicated a greater ability of the subject to use affective material; greater coping capacity; a greater awareness of negative internal affective material; and a less avoidant capacity to tolerate emotional content. Some regressive tendencies in the use of affect were explored in this case study. Potential reasons for the regressive tendency were discussed in light of the individual characteristics of the subject, the available research and theory, and the therapeutic content.
