| The current study explored the limitations of research involving gay men and the Rorschach Inkblot Test. Homosexuality as a word and in context is negatively viewed by gay men. This study examined the historical context of homosexuality and the late Evelyn Hooker's contribution that ultimately led to its demise from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). Because there are no special scoring considerations for gay men, it was presumed Rorschach results have been biased or skewed, which limits the validity of the interpretive findings. This study hypothesizes gay men would appear pathological due to the discriminatory nature of some variables that do not account for life experiences associated with gay identity development. This study used archival data comprised of 75 gay men, of which 59% reported negative coming out experiences. The results of the study indicated many of the men did generate Rorschach responses that would typically be considered pathological; for example, an overwhelming 71% of the sample generated Rorschach records characterized by A > H with nearly half of the group giving five or more animal responses in a single record. Current scoring standards are based on heterosexual norms and have been adjusted over the past few decades, never specifically incorporating GLBT-identified clients in the mix of non-patients. Using current standards seems to pathologize gay men. |
