The status of projective techniques: Or, “wishing won't make it go away”

Analyzed predicted decline of projective techniques in usefulness and emphasis when viewed from several different perspectives: the academic community; members of APA Division 12; internship centers; the applied clinical setting; and private practitioners. An extensive review of empirical, survey, and position studies over the past two decades supports the utility of projective techniques, with the exception of the clinical academic setting. The apparent loss in status of projective assessment is attributed, in part, to changing roles and functions of clinical psychologists. Implications for graduate training are discussed.