Clinical Assessment of Child and Adolescent Personality and ...

chapter 10 projective techniques239Table 10.3 Depictions in the Stimulus Cards from the Roberts Apperception Test forChildrenCard Number Description Common Themes1 (B & G) Both parents discussing something withchildElicits themes of family confrontationand stories in which parents aregiving advice or punishing a child2 (B & G) Mother hugging child Elicits themes of maternal supportand dependency needs in relation toa material figure3 (B & G) Child working on homework Elicits themes related to child’sattitude to school, teachers, tests,and homework4 One child standing over another childin prone position5 (B & G) Parents are shown in an embrace withchild looking on6 (B & G) Two white children are shown interactingwith a black childElicits themes with aggression,accidents, and illnessesElicits themes related to a child’sattitude toward parental displays ofaffectionElicits themes related to peerinteractions and racial attitudes7 (B & G) Child sitting up in bed awake Elicits themes of anxiety and baddreams8 Both parents speaking to male and femalechild9 Child standing with clenched fists over achild sitting on the ground10 (B & G) Mother holding baby with childlooking onElicits themes related to familydiscussions, such as around disciplineor planning a family activityElicits themes related to peeraggressionElicits themes of sibling rivalry andattitudes toward the birth of a newsibling11 Child cowering with hands in front of face Elicits themes of fear and anxiety12 (B & G) Adult male glaring at a distressed adultfemale with child looking on13 (B & G) Child preparing to throw chair onto theground14 (B & G) Child with paint on hands has put handprintson wall with mother looking on indistress15 Adult female in bathtub with male childlooking through door16 (B & G) Child and father in a discussion whilefather looks at a paperElicits themes of parental conflictand parental depressionElicits themes of anger and aggressivefeelingsElicits themes of maternal limit settingand child wrongdoingElicits attitudes toward sexuality andnudityElicits themes of father-child relationshipsand paternal approvalNote: B & G = Separate cards for girls and boys.Source: McArthur, D. S., & Roberts, G. E. (1982). Roberts Apperception Test for Children. Los Angeles: WesternPsychological Service.