Can systematically scored thematic stories reflect the attributes of the antisocial child syndrome?

Abstract

Summary TAT and similar cards were presented to antisocial and normal boys. A systematic scoring procedure included (a) the analysis of roles (reflected by figures in the subjects and predicate objects), (b) the interactions and relationships among them (reflected by the verb and adverbial descriptions), and (c) the affect (reflected throughout sentence components). As compared to normal boys, this procedure revealed antisocial boys to have stories more verbally constricted, characters more physically aggressive but less nurturant and conforming, heroes more clearly labeled, and the affective reactions of characters more limited in the expression of positive feelings. The discrimination of these attributes depended greatly upon the stimulus value of the cards: the self-image cards exceeded those concerned with control of aggression, attitude toward authority and relationship capacity.