Effect of Anxiety and Induced Stress on the Structured-Objective Rorschach Test

Abstract

This study examined three hypotheses: (1) the SORT is sensitive to different levels of anxiety; (2) induced stress will yield differential effects on the SORT; and (3) Fch scores are a measure of anxiety on the SORT. 396 introductory psychology students were administered the 50-item version of the Taylor MAS. From this sample, 44 male and 44 female Ss were selected as high or low anxious Ss and assigned to the stress or non-stress groups. From an analysis of scores: (1) H appeared to be the only valid indicator of anxiety on the SORT. The SORT was not as generally sensitive to differing levels of anxiety as is the standard Rorschach. (2) The effects of stress could not be measured, since the stress situation apparently failed in its purpose. (3) Fch scores were not related to anxiety. A discussion of the SORT followed, with emphasis on the SORT as differing considerably from the standard Rorschach.