Combining the Rorschach test and the temperament character inventory: A new perspective on personality assessment

Background: The numerous reports on research involving the clinical assessment of personality in axis I disorders highlight the importance of temperament features in the current approach to all mental disorders. However, the available instruments of personality assessment have many limits. Self-administered questionnaires depend on the patient's insight, and projective instruments (i.e. the Rorschach test) often lack objectivity. This study compared the results of personality assessment with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCl) and the Rorschach test to verify their validity. Patients and Methods: TO and Rorschach tests were administered to a wide sample of patients (n = 180) in a short period. The most common Rorschach siglatures were correlated with the TO raw scores using the Pearson correlation test. Results: All TO temperament dimensions and facets displayed at least two correlations with Rorschach siglatures. The description of each dimension and facet of the TO obtained with the interpretation of Rorschach siglatures was consistent with its original meaning. Conclusions: The TO and Rorschach tests adequately validated each other. In the future, the administration and integration of these tests will overcome the biases of both. Further, the theoretical bases of the TO could facilitate the study of psychological functions, whereas the psychodynamic bases of the Rorschach test provide an in-depth insight into temperament traits. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel.