Norman L. Farberow

Replicability of Rorschach signs with known degrees of suicidal intent.

Summary This study examines the hypotheses that Rorschach signs of suicide are more likely to be replicated if criteria of suicide are carefully specified and if attention is given to the time interval between Rorschach administration and the date of suicide. Each subject was given a suicidal intention score based on rating three aspects of his suicide act-degree of planning, lethality of method, and provision for rescue. Biserial correlation coefficients between suicidal intention ratings and Rorschach signs approached statistical significance more often than with a simple dichotomy (attempt vs. non-attempt). Results of statistical tests with two subgroups based on the time interval between testing and suicide were inconclusive.

The Development of an Indirect Self-Destructive Behaviour Scale for Use With Chronically Ill Medical Patients

The development and content of a scale to measure indirect self-destructive behaviour (ISDB) among chronically ill medical patients is described. Findings for a sample of predominantly elderly, male, chronically ill patients indicate a generally high incidence of ISDB over a seven-day period of continuous observation. Most frequently observed were behaviours involving noncompliance with the treatment programme, and conflicts with the medical staff. Based upon an analysis of nine classes of behaviour included in the ISDB Scale, three groups of patients emerged with distinct patterns of indirect self-destructive activity: two consisting largely of noncompliant acting-out behaviours, and one involving more direct forms of self-injury.

A multivariate profile analysis of MMPIs of suicidal and nonsuicidal neuropsychiatric hospital patients

Abstract Using six MMPI scales and a multivariate discriminant analysis, the question was asked whether differences existed between nonsuicidal and threatened, attempted, and committed suicides. The results indicated that there were significant differences between the mean score of the four groups. The application of the various identification rates to populations with different suicidal base rates and the implication of the findings for the prediction of different types of suicidal behavior was discussed.

SELF-DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR OF UNCOOPERATIVE DIABETICS

12 “uncooperative” diabetic patients were interviewed and tested in the hospital, using a structured interview, behavior and attitude rating schedule, and the Rorschach. A general descriptive picture was derived, but subgroups also appeared, based upon the dynamics of the patient in relation to the illness. In one subgroup, the illness plays no meaningful role; in the second, the illness has been integrated into defensive patterns deliberately manipulated for personal satisfaction. Different treatment procedures are suggested.

THE SEMANTIC DIFFERENTIAL AS AN INDICATOR OF SUICIDAL BEHAVIOR AND TENDENCIES

Data from 313 Ss seem to indicate that the Semantic Differential is an inadequate tool for distinguishing between suicidal and non-suicidal behaviors among a neuropsychiatric population.

Serial Administration of Consensus Rorschachs to One Patient

Summary The serial administration of individual and consensus Rorschachs to a subject with his friends, with his roommates, with his wife, with a high-low status pair, by himself, his wife alone six months later, reflect differences attributable to these differing social contexts. The changes can be conceptualized as adaptations to variations in the particular groups conflicting expectations as manifested in terms of content polarities. A smaller quality persists which we can call character or uniqueness. The process of mutual influence and accommodation can be studied by the identified patients Rorschach responses to the groups consensus Rorschach agreements and disagreements.

The Suicidal Patient—An inside View

This investigation proposes a research tactic, “experiential research,” as a useful supplement in culture and personality studies. The article focuses on the senior authors experience as a researcher/patient in a psychiatric hospital. His two-week stay as a depressed, suicidal patient provides insight into the effects of socio-cultural system pressures on personality functioning and identity reformation. The pervasive communications that patients are powerless and of little worth appears to provoke individual disturbances and group efforts to sustain self-esteem, exchange information, goods and services, and to undermine the imposed system. Journal accounts of the first and fourth days of hospitalization describe the experiences of admission and a near suicide attempt.

Society for Personality Assessment--which way to go?

Abstract As a result of a mandate by the membership, the Society for Personality Assessment has emerged as an old association with a new name. The decision on this issue was made by the membership at the same time that the question of its future affiliation was voted upon. Approximately two-thirds of the membership expressed the desire to have our group affiliate in some manner with the American Psychological Association. However, the exact manner was not specified in the referendum. At the last meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Society for Personality Assessment, there was a division of opinion as to whether joining as a division or as a section of an already existing division was the better move. The two most articulate exponents, Drs. Little and Farberow, were asked to prepare the position paper below in order to give the membership some information about the issues involved. On a subsequent occasion the members will be asked to take a formal position on this issue. If anyone, after reading the m...