Systemic Rorschach

The Systemic Rorschach is a diagnostic tool developed by Parisi and Pes in 1986. Combines Rorschach psychodiagnostics with Systemic-Relational Theory.

It consists of the simultaneous administration of the Rorschach to natural groups (couples, families) and non-natural groups (sports and work teams).

This methodological model is strictly aimed at clinical diagnosis and assessment of the structure of family relationships(Family Personality Profile) or groups that perexecute the same goal. Through the Systemic Rorschach it is possible to assess both quantitative and qualitative productive capacity, that is, how well the group interacting is able to share and process those individual traits that can generate healthy adaptation and achieve the goal.

The technique consists of an initial individual administration of the Rorschach followed by a second collective administration. The individual Rorschach provides a personality picture for each subject to then compare with that of the group.

Evaluation is carried out by integrating the interpretation of the indices and values of the Tests (individual and collective), with a systemic reading of the interactions that are determined during administration.

The systemic perspective views each member of the system as an element in a circuit of interaction that is, in turn, an expression of the rules underlying the modes of relationship adopted by that system.

The family is thus defined as a system within which exchanges of interactions take place such that its communicative modes are characterized.

In the individual use of the Rorschach, each response the subject gives to the Tables can be regarded as a molecular segment of behavior, that is, as the more or less adaptive outcome of the subject in dealing with a situation, in this case represented by the Tables and their symbolic meaning. The measure of its ability to organize is expressed through the qualitative level of response.

From the analysis of the subject’s total output and the Table-by-Table evaluation of its interpretations, what is called molar behavior emerges, that is, its overall adaptive capacity and quality.

The reading of system relationships makes use of the construction of systemic maps. They serve the dual purpose of punctuating the sequences of events deemed most significant and of schematizing those moments when the whole system assumes a particular equilibrium.

Of particular relevance in this diagnostic model is the issue of Rorschach Tables (Evoked Character).

The importance lies in the fact that the evocative character of Rorschach stains can become activators of particular dynamics and interactive modes, and the interpretations or Particular Manifestations in relation to the stains, can give the measure of the family’s reaction to specific themes.

The moment the Rorschach Table is placed in the context in which the system acts, a new particular context is determined in which the Tables themselves become the vehicle of the relationship.

Even in the case where the family or group is in a condition of homeostatic blockage the application of the Systemic Rorschach can provoke an input of change.

Evidence is read according to the systemic perspective that considers the members of the system as the elements of a circuit of interactions that is expressed by the rules adopted in that system, making use of the elaboration of systemic maps for the purpose of punctuating the various sequences of behavior during interaction and fixing the balance assumed each time by the group. The sequences are meant to fix as true snapshots all those particular moments when the context takes on a new arrangement, a new strategic balance. They imply from time to time the breakdown of a relational fabric of a given context, and the adaptation of the system with a new relational dynamic to its change.

This study provides insight into how the issues raised in individually administered Rorschachs are handled within the observed group, what are the real possibilities for change, strategy to be adopted, and prognosis.

It is possible to assess how and why a symptom develops and progresses in a certain structure; to identify problematic and at-risk aspects and how these are addressed or avoided; what are the real possibilities for change.