Personality characteristics of addicts and non-addicts determined through Rorschach findings

ABSTRACT

The current study aims to explore underlying personality characteristics of addicts and non-addicts examined by the Rorschach Inkblot test to differentiate between the two groups. 25 addicts were randomly selected and matched with an equal number of non-addicts. The subjects were contacted in Drug Treatment Centres, Hayat Shaheed Teaching Hospital, Govt Lady Reading Hospital and Dost Welfare Foundation [NGO], Peshawar, Pakistan. A semi-structured interview was used for the collection of demographics and drug related information. Rorschach Inkblot test was administered on the subjects and their responses for each card were recorded in their protocols and scored. A descriptive analysis was carried out for the Rorschach findings and tabulated. The results indicated that the addicts showed distinctive underlying personality characteristics compared to their counterparts. It is concluded that these personality aspects should be considered in the formulation of and during the course of treatment. It recommends a treatment strategy based on operant conditioning to avoid highly cognitive demand treatment strategy at the initial phase to minimize relapse