Inkblots for personality improvement
Dr Uma Vasudeva

Interpreting Inner World Through Somatic Imagery: Manual of the Inkblot Series
by Wilfred A. Cassell and B.L. Dubey; Somatic Inkblot Center, Alaska, USA.
$ 100. Pages 162.

APPLICATIONS of somatic imagery have had far-reaching effects at the international level. A data bank is being developed where individuals from various Somatic Inkblot Series (SIS) Imagery Centres around the world may submit data and access information via modem or facsimile communications.

The SIS has been found successful in assessing certain important areas like interpersonal relationship, ego/self image, healthy body imagery, thinking in group conformity, erotic imagery, hostility/aggression and insecurity, say the authors of this volume.

The SIS is a new projective technique for the assessment of personality and psychopathology. The authors have beautifully described the historical development of he inkblot procedures and provided information regarding its administration, scoring, and interpretation. The book is the study of the human personality aspect and emphasises on various traits required to become a successful executive.

The book has been divided into seven chapters and in the end, 11 case studies have been given for the readers to correlate the psychological problems which every human being faces in everyday life. In the introductory chapter, the authors have explained in detail the meaning of Somatic Inkblot Series and given its historical background. The SIS provides those having psychological disorders "with diagnostic and therapeutic aid. A series of objects and images are shown to the individuals, who then write responses on an answer sheet. The meanings of these images are interpreted and given to the viewer for further rectification of his or her weaknesses. The authors have proved that the applications of the SIS procedure have proven to be far reaching for personality improvement.

In chapter 2, the authors have given the historical development of the SIS techniques. The inkblot techniques, including the psychological tests, have been used in 1921; however, these became popular only through the 1965 writings of Rorschach, who traced the concept of formless stimuli used in the inkblot techniques to Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli in the 15th century.

Chapter 3 conceptualises the SIS procedures through a booklet of images and video graphics. The authors say that the SIS may be used as a guide to develop personalised visual imagery for meditation and enhanced spiritual awareness. They have explained the relationship of body imagery and illness and suggested ways for beating fatigue.

In chapters 4, 5 and 6, the authors have portrayed beautifully the psychometric properties based on reliability and validity of responses. The procedures for administration and instructions for conducting the SIS-based tests have been explained in a simple language. The chapter 7 gives the interpretations and application of the SIS responses, including the guidelines for interpreting these responses. The book is full of clinical wisdom and will be of great value to those who are interested in improving their personality through self-analysis.

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