Single-Sign Rorschach Suicide Indicators: a Validity Study Using a Depressed Inpatient Population

This study tests the validity of using single responses on the Rorschach as a indicators of current suicidal risk. Applebaum & Holzman’s (1962) color-shading sign was found to be related to low suicidal risk. Blatt & Ritzler’s (1974) transparency sign was found to be unrelated to current suicide risk but still related to a past history of suicide attempts. The suggestion exists that the signs may indicate a suicidal personality who may or may not be in any immediate danger of committing suicide.