The Rorschach and the Hmong refugee population: A comparative analysis
Author(s):
Giancola, James Thomas
Format:
Thesis
Degree granted:
Ph.D.
Publisher:
Ann Arbor : California School of Professional Psychology - Fresno, 1997.
Pages:
108
Language:
English
Abstract:
This study examined the usefulness of the Rorschach for the cross-cultural assessment of psychopathology in the Hmong adult refugee population. The responses of Hmong nonpatient adults were compared to current Exner (1990) adult nonpatient normative data. In a unique approach, the Rorschach was administered to the Hmong adults in their own native language. Cappelletty's questionnaire (1986) was also administered to all 32 Hmong subjects. All Hmong refugee participants were from Fresno County (16 male, 16 female). The examiners were one Hmong licensed psychologist and two 3rd-year graduate students. Twelve Rorschach variables were examined and contrasted to determine differences between Hmong and Exner norms. The Rorschach variables were found to be significant (p $<$.01) when the Hmong sample was compared with Exner norms (1990). The two Rorschach variables not significant were D and Adjusted D. Independent sample t tests yielded significant differences on the following Rorschach variables: X+%, F+%, COP, EB, P, R, M, WSUMC, and 3r (2)/R. The Hmong sample was determined to consist of two groups, traditional and nontraditional, with respect to acculturation. Independent sample t tests were computed to assess the impact on level of acculturation on Rorschach results (Cappelletty, 1986). The results did not yield statistical significance on any of the 12 Rorschach variables. In an ad hoc procedure, 8 individuals were removed from the Hmong sample. Correlations were computed for the traditional versus nontraditional acculturation groups, demographic data, and Rorschach variables. In the second group (n = 24), education level correlated highly with Group 2 (p $<$.01). These results indicated the more educated the Hmong subjects were the less traditional their beliefs were. Correlations were computed between Rorschach variables and demographic data (n = 32). Years in USA correlated significantly with WSUMC and M (p $<$.01). Educational level correlated significantly with D (p $<$.05) and WSUMC (p $<$.01). Years in the USA correlated significantly with EB (p $<$.05) and Adjusted D (p $<$.001). The aforementioned results suggest the Hmong perceive the world in an unusual and unstructured manner, when contrasted with a Western nonpatient sample. A validity study is recommended to develop norms for Hmong adults.