Posted by Apperceptor on March 7, 2004, at 18:38:14
In reply to Re: Projective tests ... are they worth it?, posted by Camille Dumont on March 7, 2004, at 18:23:51
Camille's psychologist is absolutely correct, and as a rule I also share my findings with the client (or, right now, the client's parent(s)) unless I seriously think it would hinder therapy or cause harm. Even in this case, however, you can "push" the issue...if you want to see your results, you can ask for a second opinion, of sorts. I guess my only caveat to that is that if your psychologist is normally someone you respect, and he or she says it would be unwise, I would be inclined to think they have good reason to say this....but "No i won't show you they're mine" is not good reason. You still deserve a reasoned explanation
Also, Dinah, if you'd like to compare your personal research findings to those of the psychologist, you have the right to request access to your records as long as they remain on file (generally 5-7 years in the US, but sometimes longer. I think it's about the same for Canada. UK NHS I'm not sure). With the new HIPPA laws, your access is even less restricted. You may have to have a licensed psychologist present while you review the record, but in my opinion that's not a bad idea...I'd liken it to a hematologist's presence when you see your blood test results.
One note on the MMPI, in particular...while I think the test is very (sometimes eerily) valid, it's language and phrasing of results could be considered somewhat antiquated (read: psychaesthenia = anxiety). This could be a reason for this particular test why results aren't just given with no questions, but you do seem a very well informed consumer (! good job!!). Also with the MMPI, do keep in mind that the L and...I think it's K...scales can be an interprative issue. Since you clearly did your homework (and you don't seem like you're motivated to fake anything), I'm not concerned in your case, but it could be an issue for some. My MMPI-A, which I took at the age of 13, was invalid due to the L scale :-).
I love hearing about people who take such initiative with their testing as both of you have, Dinah and Camille.
This is all very interesting to me, because I have a story that I'm hoping to look back on and laugh about in a few months. My (now ex?) boyfriend stated 45 minutes ago that we are "over." Do you want to know why? Because I irresponsibly gave him the Rorschach, and he didn't like the results. So look here...living, current proof that you've got to be careful with these!!!!
poster:Apperceptor
thread:320878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040303/msgs/321740.html