Période périnatale et Rorschach : normes, indicateurs, mentalisation et perspectives théorico-cliniques

Objective

The perinatal period is a maturation phase characterised by the appearance of a radical psychological and identity crisis, little studied by projective methods, in particular the Rorschach inkblot test. The objective of this article is to offer a list of Rorschach norms and indicators adapted to the perinatal population. This is to comprehend the psychological modifications occurring during pregnancy.

Materials and method

The projective Rorschach inkblot test was presented to a representative sample of 54 pregnant primiparous French women. Based on the scoring and analysis methods of the Parisian School, the quantitative norms from the analysis of the psychogram, the chosen cards, and the mentalization indicators were compared to those of the general population.

Results

With the exception of F +% and H%, all the normative data for the perinatal population are significantly different from those related to the general population (p .005). On a qualitative level, the interpretation of the data highlights the presence of major inhibition mechanisms, associated with a preconscious functioning stasis.

Conclusion

The normative data in Rorschach of the perinatal population should be specifically used for the study and psychological support devoted to this population. It also allows a better understanding of the feminine psychologic modifications during pregnancy.