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Ruchensky JR, Dowgwillo EA, Kelley SE, Massey C, Slavin-Mulford J, Richardson LA, Blais MA, Stein MB. Exploring the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders Using SCORS-G Ratings on Thematic Apperception Test Narratives. J Pers Disord 2022; 36:201-216. [PMID: 34427493 DOI: 10.1521/pedi_2021_35_535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD) in Section III of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013) conceptualizes personality pathology as a combination of impairment (Criterion A) and traits (Criterion B). One measure used to develop Criterion A was the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale - Global Rating Method (SCORS-G), which is a multidimensional, object-relational clinician-rated measure of personality functioning. Although there are conceptual links between the AMPD and SCORS-G dimensions, there exists no research examining the relationship. To address this, we examined associations between the SCORS-G dimensions and measures of the AMPD constructs in a large, archival dataset of outpatients and inpatients. More pathological scores on SCORS-G dimensions reflecting self- and interpersonal functioning were associated with greater pathological traits and impairment. Overall, results support further investigation into SCORS-G as a useful measure in AMPD research and assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shannon E Kelley
- Clinical Psychology Department, William James College, Newton, Massachusetts
| | - Christina Massey
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Laura A Richardson
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mark A Blais
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Michelle B Stein
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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2
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Ridenour JM, Lewis KC, Siefert CJ, Stein MB. Longitudinal stability of Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method dimensional ratings, score ranges and narrative 'blandness' in a clinical sample. Clin Psychol Psychother 2022; 29:1447-1456. [PMID: 35212082 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
While understanding how internalized representations of others (i.e., object relations) change over the course of treatment is essential for treatment planning and evaluation of progress, few studies have examined the nature of these changes through repeated psychological assessments. In this study, we applied the SCORS-G to Thematic Apperception Test narratives for 61 adult patients with complex psychiatric problems undergoing residential treatment over an 18-month period. Over the course of treatment, patient representations of self and others became more complex, indicating improvements in mentalization. Further, an analysis of default ratings (i.e., an aspect of story 'blandness') suggested that certain shifts in SCORS-G dimensional scores over time were accounted for by greater degree of scorable content across time points, rather than changes specific to the dimensions themselves. Findings from novel exploratory analyses aimed at evaluating the test-retest reliability of both default rating proportion and several emerging alternative scoring approaches (including changes in minimum, maximum and range of scores on individual dimensions) are reported. While the magnitude of change across mean dimensional scores was found to be lower compared to those previously found in outpatient populations, our results suggest that the SCORS-G remains capable of detecting changes in mentalization capacities in individuals contending with longstanding, severe psychiatric impairment and personality-based psychopathology. Implications for treatment, assessment and future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M Ridenour
- Erikson Institute for Education and Research, Austen Riggs Center, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Katie C Lewis
- Erikson Institute for Education and Research, Austen Riggs Center, Stockbridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Caleb J Siefert
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, Michigan, USA
| | - Michelle B Stein
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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3
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Joo M, Park SW. Depression is associated with negativity in TAT narratives: The mediating role of agency. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00245-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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4
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Jenkins SR, Fondren AH, Herrington RS. Interpersonal Decentering and Interpersonal Problems: Testing the Multi-Method Utility of Person-Situation Interactions in Thematic Apperception Tests. J Pers Assess 2021; 104:320-334. [PMID: 34037514 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2021.1919127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Mature interpersonal decentering is a form of social cognitive role-taking involving reflective thought about one's interpersonal relationships. Previous research examining main effects for persons, card situation content, story content, and person-card interactions found more mature decentering in stories about heterosexual romantic-pull Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) cards (HRC) as compared with stories about nonromantic cards (NRC). To see whether differences in means corresponded to differential criterion validity, this multi-method study examined Inventory of Interpersonal Problems circumplex (IIP-C) scores associated with young adults' decentering maturity and deficits, comparing correlations with IIP-C scores of decentering scores calculated from HRC versus NRC. Similarly, to test the effect of story content, IIP-C scores were correlated with decentering scores calculated from stories having romantic versus nonromantic story content. Using circumplex statistical tests, decentering deficits were associated with domineering/vindictive interpersonal problems, and mature decentering with nonassertive/exploitable problems. Men who reported more exploitable problems decentered more maturely across all situations. Women who decentered more maturely in response to HRC reported more socially avoidant problems, whereas those who decentered more maturely to NRC reported more exploitable problems. Results for romantic versus nonromantic story content were largely uninterpretable (did not meet circumplexity assumption). Findings might assist clinicians' card selection.
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Slavin-Mulford JM, Amerson LR, Cain LA, Hilsenroth MJ, Wilcox MM, Stein MB. How narrative source impacts convergence of ratings from the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method with psychotherapy process measures. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:1550-1561. [PMID: 33837983 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the construct validity of the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method (SCORS-G; Westen, 1995; see also Stein & Mulford, 2018) by exploring the degree of convergence across different narrative sources (i.e., early memories [EM] and psychotherapy narratives [PT]) in relation to patient- and therapist-rated psychotherapy process measures. Using a university-based outpatient sample (n = 81), we found limited convergence for SCORS-G ratings across narrative type. First, paired t tests showed that the means for six of the eight SCORS-G dimensions differed significantly between the EM and PT narratives with the majority having a large magnitude of effect. Moreover, despite 29 significant correlations between a SCORS-G dimension and either an alliance or session quality variable, only two of the eight SCORS-G dimensions significantly correlated with the same process variable across narrative type (e.g., patient-rated session depth with SCORS-G Self Esteem [SE] and Identity and Coherence of Self [ICS]). Importantly, the high degree of theoretical coherence in the associations that emerged between the SCORS-G dimensions and the process variables suggest that the lack of convergence was not due to limited validity of the SCORS-G. Instead, the results underscore the importance of multi-method assessment techniques by highlighting that the manner in which a narrative is elicited will impact the object relational content patients provide. Future research and clinical implications related to the SCORS-G, alliance and psychotherapy process are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luke R Amerson
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Lylli A Cain
- Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, USA
| | - Mark J Hilsenroth
- Derner School of Psychology, Adelphi University, Garden City, New York, USA
| | - Melanie M Wilcox
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia, USA
| | - Michelle B Stein
- Psychological Evaluation and Research Laboratory (PEaRL), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Ridenour JM, Lewis KC, Siefert CJ, Pitman SR, Knauss D, Stein MB. Card pull effects of the Thematic Apperception Test using the Social Cognition and Object Relations‐Global Rating Method on complex psychiatric sample. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 28:1079-1090. [DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy M. Ridenour
- Erikson Institute for Education and Research Austen Riggs Center Stockbridge Massachusetts USA
| | - Katie C. Lewis
- Erikson Institute for Education and Research Austen Riggs Center Stockbridge Massachusetts USA
| | - Caleb J. Siefert
- Department of Behavioral Sciences University of Michigan‐Dearborn Dearborn Michigan USA
| | - Seth R. Pitman
- Erikson Institute for Education and Research Austen Riggs Center Stockbridge Massachusetts USA
| | - Daniel Knauss
- Erikson Institute for Education and Research Austen Riggs Center Stockbridge Massachusetts USA
| | - Michelle B. Stein
- Department of Psychiatry Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
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7
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Rae Jenkins S, Siefert CJ, Weber K. Interpersonal Decentering and Person-Situation Interaction in the Thematic Apperception Test: Is It all in the Cards? What's the Story? J Pers Assess 2020; 102:551-562. [PMID: 30714823 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2018.1557668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Assessors using storytelling assessment techniques have debated the relative importance of picture imagery (card pull) versus story content for interpreting clients' stories. This study used generalizability theory to compare sources of variance in scores for Feffer's Interpersonal Decentering as a function of persons, cards, raters, or interactions. Representing situational activation of mature role-taking (mentalizing of interpersonal processes), decentering activity should differ across interpersonal situations according to the social role norms involved, resulting in more variance due to card pull than for previously studied scoring systems. Decentering scores from stories told to heterosexual romantic-pull pictures were compared with those for other pictures and with scores from romantic versus nonromantic stories to identify score variance explained by card pull and story content. Considering cards as analogs for life situations, person-card interaction explained more decentering variance (53.7%) than did other effects. Heterosexual romantic-pull pictures stimulated more mature decentering than others; story content did not explain significant variance. Women told more mature decentering stories to heterosexual romantic-pull pictures than to other pictures, and more so than men did. Finding strong person-card interaction illuminates typically low internal consistency for content-based scoring systems. Recommendations for clinicians include implications for card selection and story content interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Caleb J Siefert
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn
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Riddle MP, Jenkins SR. Clinical considerations in the psychological evaluation of gestational surrogates: uses of narrative assessment. HUM FERTIL 2020; 25:176-187. [PMID: 32567407 DOI: 10.1080/14647273.2020.1778802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Potential risks and ethical considerations inherent in surrogacy arrangements place tremendous responsibility on mental health professionals performing the necessary assessments, yet there is little discussion and no consensus on the best testing protocol. In the U.S., the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 (MMPI-2) and the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) are the most common psychological measures used to screen gestational surrogates (GSs), although these self-report symptom inventories reveal tendencies to underreport, deny problems and present positive impressions that may conceal important clinical information. This study examines the utility of a multi-method approach in the psychological evaluation of GS candidates. A total of 43 women cleared to be GSs completed the PAI and an abbreviated protocol of a narrative construction assessment measure (The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)) as part of the psychological screening process. Findings of the study show that utilising a multi-method approach in the psychological consideration of a GS can address the limitations inherent in a single-measure assessment approach. Including a narrative measure such as the TAT that is less affected by defensiveness found on self-report scales may allow for more subtleties in interpretation, helping assessors to identify women who may have particular psychological vulnerabilities. These might then be addressed through implications counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary P Riddle
- Department of Psychology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sharon R Jenkins
- Department of Psychology, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, USA
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Schönbrodt FD, Hagemeyer B, Brandstätter V, Czikmantori T, Gröpel P, Hennecke M, Israel LSF, Janson KT, Kemper N, Köllner MG, Kopp PM, Mojzisch A, Müller-Hotop R, Prüfer J, Quirin M, Scheidemann B, Schiestel L, Schulz-Hardt S, Sust LNN, Zygar-Hoffmann C, Schultheiss OC. Measuring Implicit Motives with the Picture Story Exercise (PSE): Databases of Expert-Coded German Stories, Pictures, and Updated Picture Norms. J Pers Assess 2020; 103:392-405. [PMID: 32207995 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2020.1726936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
We present two openly accessible databases related to the assessment of implicit motives using Picture Story Exercises (PSEs): (a) A database of 183,415 German sentences, nested in 26,389 stories provided by 4,570 participants, which have been coded by experts using Winter's coding system for the implicit affiliation/intimacy, achievement, and power motives, and (b) a database of 54 classic and new pictures which have been used as PSE stimuli. Updated picture norms are provided which can be used to select appropriate pictures for PSE applications. Based on an analysis of the relations between raw motive scores, word count, and sentence count, we give recommendations on how to control motive scores for story length, and validate the recommendation with a meta-analysis on gender differences in the implicit affiliation motive that replicates existing findings. We discuss to what extent the guiding principles of the story length correction can be generalized to other content coding systems for narrative material. Several potential applications of the databases are discussed, including (un)supervised machine learning of text content, psychometrics, and better reproducibility of PSE research.
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O’Gorman ET, Cobb HR, Galtieri LR, Kurtz JE. Stimulus Characteristics in Picture Story Exercise Cards and Their Effects on the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale–Global Rating Method. J Pers Assess 2018; 102:250-258. [DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2018.1519829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Haley R. Cobb
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Villanova University
| | | | - John E. Kurtz
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Villanova University
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Auletta AF, Cupellaro S, Abbate L, Aiello E, Cornacchia P, Norcia C, Sogos C. SCORS-G and Card Pull Effect of TAT Stories: A Study With a Nonclinical Sample of Children. Assessment 2018; 27:1368-1377. [PMID: 29911404 DOI: 10.1177/1073191118781014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has shown that stimulus pull is one of the contributory factors influencing Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) responses. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of studies examining this. In particular, the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Rating Method (SCORS-G) has been employed to examine stimulus pull in adult clinical and nonclinical samples. The present study is the first attempt to examine this issue in a nonclinical sample of children. Ninety-eight children from Italian elementary (1st to 5th grade) and middle (6th to 8th grade) schools provided narratives to six TAT cards (1, 2, 3BM, 4, 8BM, and 16). Some important findings with regard to variance within scales replicate prior findings from other studies. Furthermore, some findings regarding the specific nature of pull for particular TAT cards (1, 2, 3BM, and 4) replicate prior work. Given that Cards 8BM and 16's SCORS-G stimulus properties have not been previously studied, the pull of these cards is explored. Last, SCORS-G differences/similarities across these two age groups are highlighted. Suggestions for further research in this field are also provided, particularly concerning the use of SCORS-G and TAT for clinical assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Simone Cupellaro
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psichiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Abbate
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Aiello
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Norcia
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Sogos
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psichiatry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Stein MB, Siefert CJ. Introduction to the Special Section on the Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale–Global Rating Method: From Research to Practice. J Pers Assess 2018; 100:117-121. [DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2017.1418749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle B. Stein
- Psychological Evaluation and Research Laboratory (PEaRL), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Caleb J. Siefert
- Department of Behavioral Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn
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Clemence AJ, Lewis K. Flexibility and Rigidity in Object Relational Functioning: Assessing Change in Suicidal Ideation and Global Psychiatric Functioning Using the SCORS–G. J Pers Assess 2018; 100:135-144. [DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2017.1418747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Jenkins SR. Not Your Same Old Story: New Rules for Thematic Apperceptive Techniques (TATs). J Pers Assess 2017; 99:238-253. [PMID: 28379075 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2016.1248972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Stories told about pictures have been used for both research and clinical practice since the beginning of modern personality assessment. However, with the growing science-practice gap, these thematic apperceptive techniques (TATs) have been used differently in those 2 venues. Scientific validation is presumptively general, but clinical application is idiographic and situation-specific. A bridge is needed. The manualized human-scored narrative analysis systems discussed here are valuable scientist-practitioner tools, but they require a validation literature to support further research publication, maintain their role in clinical training, and justify clinicians' reimbursement by third-party payers. To facilitate wider understanding of manualized TAT methodologies, this article addresses long-standing criticisms of TAT reliability and proposes some strategic solutions to the measurement error problem for both researchers and clinicians, including analyzing person-situation interactions, purposeful situation sampling for within-storyteller comparisons, and uses of small samples. The new rules for TATs include conceptual and methodological standards that researchers should aim to meet and report, reviewers should apply to manuscripts, and clinical assessors can use to analyze their own data and justify third-party payment.
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Jenkins SR. The Narrative Arc of TATs: Introduction to theJPASpecial Section on Thematic Apperceptive Techniques. J Pers Assess 2017; 99:225-237. [DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2016.1244066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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Abstract
This study investigates the question of whether different Thematic Apperception Test (TAT; Murray, 1943 ) cards are likely to prompt stories that are characterized by different defense mechanisms. This condition is known as card pull and refers to the probability that different TAT cards elicit different personality scores for the same variable. If so, the assessment of defense use would be importantly influenced by the TAT cards used in an assessment. TAT stories from 3 different community samples were examined (Ns = 91, 98, 121), using a statistical method developed by Stein et al ( 2014 ). The results indicated that different TAT cards pull for different defenses, as assessed by the Defense Mechanism Manual (DMM: Cramer, 1991b ). However, the nature of card pull was not always consistent across samples. These dissimilarities could be due to group differences, or to the presence of different TAT cards used in the test battery, indicating that card pull is importantly determined by context.
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Blais MA, Hopwood CJ. Model-Based Approaches for Teaching and Practicing Personality Assessment. J Pers Assess 2016; 99:136-145. [DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2016.1195393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark A. Blais
- Psychological Evaluation and Research Laboratory (PEaRL), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
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Stein MB, Slavin-Mulford J, Sinclair SJ, Chung WJ, Roche M, Denckla C, Blais MA. Extending the Use of the SCORS–G Composite Ratings in Assessing Level of Personality Organization. J Pers Assess 2016; 100:166-175. [DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2016.1195394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle B. Stein
- Psychological Evaluation and Research Laboratory (PEaRL), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | | | - Samuel Justin Sinclair
- Psychological Evaluation and Research Laboratory (PEaRL), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | - Wei-Jean Chung
- Psychological Evaluation and Research Laboratory (PEaRL), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
| | | | | | - Mark A. Blais
- Psychological Evaluation and Research Laboratory (PEaRL), Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School
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Siefert CJ, Stein MB, Slavin-Mulford J, Sinclair SJ, Haggerty G, Blais MA. Estimating the Effects of Thematic Apperception Test Card Content on SCORS–G Ratings: Replication With a Nonclinical Sample. J Pers Assess 2016; 98:598-607. [DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2016.1167696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Stein MB, Slavin-Mulford J, Siefert CJ, Justin Sinclair S, Smith M, Chung WJ, Liebman R, Blais MA. External Validity of SCORS-G Ratings of Thematic Apperception Test Narratives in a Sample of Outpatients and Inpatients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1027/1192-5604/a000057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. The Social Cognition and Object Relations Scale-Global Ratings Method (SCORS-G; Stein, Hilsenroth, Slavin-Mulford, & Pinsker-Aspen, 2011 ) is a reliable system for coding narrative data, such as Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) stories. This study employs a cross-sectional, correlational design to examine associations between SCORS-G dimensions and life events in two clinical samples. Samples were composed of 177 outpatients and 57 inpatients who completed TAT protocols as part of routine clinical care. Two experienced raters coded narratives with the SCORS-G. Data on the following clinically relevant life events were collected: history of psychiatric hospitalization, suicidality, self-harming behavior, drug/alcohol abuse, conduct-disordered behavior, trauma, and education level. As expected, the clinical life event variable associated with the largest number of SCORS-G dimensions was Suicidality. Identity and Coherence of Self was related to self-harm history across samples. Emotional Investment in Relationships and Complexity of Representations were also associated with several life events. Clinical applications, limitations of the study, and future directions are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle B. Stein
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michaela Smith
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wei-Jean Chung
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Liebman
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark A. Blais
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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