Thematic Apperception Test Essay Example

📌Category: Psychology
📌Words: 403
📌Pages: 2
📌Published: 19 January 2022

This paper is to review the Thematic Apperception Test. The previous chapters discussed the RCS and the R-PAS which are very similar to this test. This test is also a performance-based personality assessments and the data reports how individuals respond (use different word) to certain tasks, and not what they think about themselves (Weiner & Greene 2017). The TAT is administered using a story-telling technique, which allows individuals to be shown pictures and make up a story about them. This paper will discuss the purpose/history of the test, the population it can be used on to assess the individual, and the results/interpretations of the test. 

This test administration consists of a total of 31 cards. The clinician uses 20 cards-based on the individual's age and gender group. The clinician will devote 50 minutes x2 and the 20 cards are to be used in both sessions. Individuals are instructed to spend at least 5 minutes on each story card.  Selection of the cards is very important.  The clinician should always inform the individual of the nature of the task, allow them time to discuss the purpose of the test, and give information that the test will consist of. 

The TAT has been around since the 20th century and is an all American story. The test begins with Morton Prince and his research associate Henry Murray. They both read a lot of articles and expanded their knowledge regarding psychology. Murray conducted a study on 50 male Harvard students, which included the picture story measure that Murray studied. The final 31-card version of the test was published in 1943 and still remains in use today. (Weiner & Greene 2017).

According to the text, the story-telling aspect of this test allows reflection of attitude, intentions, and expectations. TAT stories also contain clues to a person’s affective disposition, preferred coping style, and cognitive integrity (Weiner & Greene 2017).  During the treatment planning stage, questions can be answered of the individual regarding their concerns to function more effectively, different underlying attitudes they have towards key figures in their lives, and concerns regarding emotional/behavioral problems. This information can help the therapist understand the individual and how to proceed with treatment. 

This personality assessment test was very interesting to study. I feel like as a therapist I would enjoy reading diagnostic evaluations with information from this test. I feel as though every story line would be different or at least have different aspects with each card. I also believe this test so far- would be the most enjoyable for the individual testing because they get to use their imagination and creativity, which most people find fun.

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