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Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): tell me what you see and I will tell you what you are like

The thematic apperception test allows you to analyze personality by avoiding the inhibitions generated by other more objective evaluation methods. In this article we talk about the main keys for its interpretation and administration.

Written and verified by the psychologist Elena Sanz.

Personality analysis is one of the most fascinating and complex areas within psychology.. Following this objective, various evaluation instruments have been built inspired by different currents. Thus, within this big little catch-all, the thematic apperception test (TAT) has certain very interesting advantages.

This test explores in depth the personality and attitudes of the subject in several vital areas.. Furthermore, it does so in a subjective way and based on projections. That is, the person is not aware of what is being evaluated and, therefore, his or her defensive barriers act to a lesser extent.

The projective tests

The thematic apperception test is part of the so-called projective techniques. These are used to analyze the personality of an individual based on their unconscious projections. To achieve this, the person is presented with unstructured material and asked to carry out a creative task based on it (a drawing, a narrative, an association…).

In the case at hand, we are referring to a thematic projective test. In this modality, the subject is shown a series of pictures with ambiguous drawings and is asked to describe what he sees in them.. The Rorschach test is one of the greatest representatives of this type of techniques and, without a doubt, one of the best known.

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The main advantage of this type of test is that The person is not aware of what is being evaluated at each moment. Therefore, it is easier to avoid the barriers and reluctance that may arise when responding other types of clearer instruments. It is encouraged, then, that the person can express their personality and their unconscious conflicts in a free and uninhibited way.

The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

This evaluation instrument consists of 31 sheets with black and white images that represent different life situations.. Some of them are common, while others are specifically indicated depending on the sex and age of the person to be evaluated. Each individual is presented with only 20 slides, divided into two sessions.

After observing each image, you are asked to tell a story that contains past, present and future. You have to do it by emphasizing what each character in the story is feeling and thinking.

Through this exercise we can carry out a formal analysis based on the coherence, language and interpretive style that the person uses. But, above all, We can carry out a content analysis, which will provide us with the most information about personality and latent conflicts..

Keys for interpretation

Each sheet is designed to explore different relevant areas, but there are some basic keys to keep in mind. In each image the figure of the “hero” must be identified, which will be the character with whom the subject identifies. The actions and emotions assigned to the hero during the narrative will tell us about the deep needs of the person being evaluated.

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On the other hand, The actions and emotions of the rest of the character will be a projection of how the person perceives their environment.. What you want and what you fear will happen, as well as the unconscious impulses you have and refuse to acknowledge.

Some of the topics examined in the plates are the following:

Personal goals and aspirations, difficulties and hopes. Aggression, punishment, guilt and depressive content. Identity and sexual inclination and relationships. Attitude towards maternal and paternal figures and relationship with them. Relationship with authority, rivalries and passivity. Image about oneself, feelings of loneliness and abandonment, and reflections on the future.

Usefulness of the thematic apperception test

This instrument provides a large amount of information about the individual’s personality. Through his narratives, we can elucidate the image he has of himself, what his relationships with his environment are like, and the existence of latent conflicts.

However, the interpretation of this test is linked to subjectivity. Therefore, Despite being an excellent complement, it should not be used in isolation. The data obtained must always be contrasted or complemented with other instruments.

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All cited sources were reviewed in depth by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, validity and validity. The bibliography in this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.

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