ATTEMPTING TO CONCEAL PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTURBANCE - MMPI DEFENSIVE RESPONSE SETS AND THE RORSCHACH

This study examined whether a defensive response set during a psychological evaluation would skew responses on the Rorschach such that subjects could conceal psychological difficulties. Subjects in this study were commercial airline pilots who were required to undergo an independent psychological evaluation after completing a treatment program for alcohol or substance abuse. Subjects knew the results of the psychological evaluation would be taken into account by the Federal Aviation Administration and their employer when deciding whether to reinstate their pilots' license and allowing them to return to work. Thus, subjects potentially had considerable incentive to attempt to create a favorable impression. As expected, subjects responded in a defensive manner, as assessed by standard Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) validity scales. It was expected that a guarded, defensive response set would be manifested on the Rorschach by fewer than average responses, a constricted response style, and an attempt to appear conventional. It was also expected that no or few signs of difficulty would be produced on the Rorschach if subjects were successful in their efforts to create a favorable impression. In spite of defensive efforts to create a favorable impression, these subjects produced valid Rorschach protocols that suggested they experienced emotional distress, self-critical ideation, and difficulties in their interpersonal relationships, problems not reported on the MMPI. Implications of these findings for clinical practice, future research, and relationships between the MMPI and Rorschach are discussed.