Psychosomatic Medicine 9:20-28 (1947)
© 1947 American Psychosomatic Society

Rorschach Exploration of Consecutive Hypnotic Chronological Age Level Regressions

¹ Neuro-Psychiatric Section, Convalescent Center, Madigan General Hospital, Fort Lewis, Washington

A series of Rorschach tests were administered to an individual who was hypnotically regressed to consecutive chronological age levels. The subject was a young soldier who developed conversion hysteria following a concussion during battle. He presented in part the clinical picture of an inadequately resolved edipus situation, manifesting marked dependence on his father, associated with pronounced unconscious hostilities, and incestuous tendencies toward the mother. The attempt to cope with these problems resulted in phobias and nightmares during early childhood, compulsive rituals during early adolescence, and culminated in a conversion hysteria. The Rorschach findings reflected these changes at the various regressed age levels and followed closely the clinical data. This technique of longitudinal personality analysis by the Rorschach may have diagnostic and therapeutic value. It also shows promise of throwing increased light on the growth and development of personality.

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