Rorschach assessment of cognitive impairment from an object relations perspective
Lerner, P.M.
Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic 60(3): 351-365
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-9284 PMID: 8885474 Document Number: 459561
In 1986, H. Lerner and P. Lerner proposed an object relations model of thinking that integrated Piaget's theory of early cognitive development with Mahler's theory of separation-individuation. They identified three distinct, interdigitated stages, outlined the cognitive task for each stage, detailed the necessary role and function of the stage-specific caregiving object, and suggested potential cognitive impairments associated with the object not fulfilling its function. Herein, this conceptual model is extended to the Rorschach. Rorschach indices of cognitive impairments associated with each stage were developed. The indices are then applied to the Rorschach records of children who were selected as prototypical of specific developmental disorders.