Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
Psychological Testing: Thematic Apperception Test
The Thematic Apperception Test, or TAT, is a widely used projective psychological test for the assessment of children and adults. It is designed to reveal an individual’s perception of interpersonal relationships, revealing internal conflicts, and presumably revealing hidden emotions. TAT taps a child’s unconscious to reveal repressed aspects of personality, motives and needs for achievement, power and intimacy, and problem-solving abilities.
What is the main purpose of psychological testing?
The goals of psychological assessment are to better understand a child’s strengths and weaknesses, identify potential problems with cognition, emotional reactivity, and make recommendations for remediation.
Who administers this test? How is it done?
A RCI licensed Clinical psychologist conducts this test. Administration of the TAT usually takes about an hour. The TAT consists of a series of 20 cards depicting people in various interpersonal interactions that were intentionally created to be ambiguous. They are then asked to tell as dramatic a story as they can for each picture presented, including what has led up to the event shown. The TAT utilizes open-ended questions to reveal aspects of a child’s personality.
TAT Psychological Testing Provides:
The primary advantage of this kind of test is that the child is unaware of what the psychologist is evaluating. This allows the child to be more open and honest in their responses, creating a more accurate assessment. TAT can also reveal the child’s underlying beliefs and values, as well as their ability to think abstractly and problem–solve. Additionally, it can provide insight into the child’s emotional state, including their ability to manage stress and anxiety.