Rorschach responses of individuals with epilepsy.

Abstract

This study investigated the presence of specific personality characteristics, false positive results, and psychopathology in individuals with epilepsy. The method of measure was the Rorschach Inkblot Test using the Comprehensive System for interpretation. Three groups were used: 20 individuals with epilepsy, 20 individuals with chronic illness, and 20 individuals with no diagnosis of a chronic illness. Independent variables were groups and gender. Using ANOVA at Q < .05 significance level, results indicated no significant differences in depression, schizophrenia, rigidity, over incorporation, egocentricity. and pure form responses. There was a significant difference between the participants with epilepsy and participants of the other groups on a measure of incidence of popular responses. Those with epilepsy gave significantly fewer responses. The effect size using Eta2 was medium. The lack of significance in personality characteristics and psychopathology may be due to the implementation of new medications since a few have psychotropic value. The group with epilepsy was heterogeneous regarding the types of seizures experienced and this may have also affected the lack of significance. Further investigation should focus on a discrimination on the type of seizure and personality characteristics as well as the behavioral effects of anticonvulsant medication.