Current Attitudes about Projective Techniques in APA Approved Internship Training Centers

Summary A questionnaire designed to investigate opinions about the quality of training, responsibilities in teaching, and the attitudinal climate about projective techniques was mailed to the Director of Training at all APA approved internship settings in the United States. Eight-five per cent returned the questionnaires, and the results were classified and analyzed. The majority preferred basic Rorschach training prior to the internship, opposed survey courses as a substitute for solid foundation in one or two projective techniques, and objected to any reduction in semester hours exposure to these methods. Trainees themselves were reported to have shown a sharp drop in using projective techniques in research. The findings did not support the idea that there has been a substantial increase in the use of non-projective methods in clinical settings. Attention was given to opposing points of view about these methods. A plea was made for a re-evaluation of our training goals and for decisions which project realistically into the future.