The Processometric Consensus Rorschach Test (pCRT-II) – An Improved Evaluation System

Abstract: The processometric Consensus Rorschach Test is a method for analyzing the dynamics of couple communication in negotiation-based interactions. We present the development and first psychometric evaluation of the processometric Consensus Rorschach Test II (pCRT-II), which introduces several innovations to previous coding systems. Using the pCRT-II, couple communication can be assessed on dimensions of dominance, constructiveness, and emotional closeness. Intercoder reliability was demonstrated using intraclass correlations in three coders’ 15 pCRT-II protocols. Results showed that trained coders can code the three pCRT-II dimensions reliably. Moreover, we assessed the interactions of 155 heterosexual couples using the pCRT-II. Internal consistency tests of the scores of the three dimensions of the pCRT-II on the 10 Rorschach cards separately aggregated by gender indicated that the reliability of the scales is adequate. We also administered the Dyadic Coping Inventory (DCI) and the Relationship Assessment Scale (RAS) to a subsample of 134 couples and tested the associations of the scales with the pCRT-II dimensions using the actor–partner interdependence model (APIM). Results demonstrated that pCRT-II has adequate concurrent validity. Based on the findings, the coding system is promising in that it can be used to gain new insights into the functioning of couples by examining their communication processes in detail.