The Meta-Contrast Technique – a Projective Test Predicting Suicide

69 inpatients who had attempted suicide were studied by means of the Meta-Contrast Technique, a projective test measuring personality factors, especially defensive strategies. Patients were divided into 3 subgroups, 1 of which was defined as stereotypy only. At follow-up, 7 of 8 completed suicides belonged to this subgroup. Findings indicate that, regardless of psychiatric diagnosis, stereotypy without other defenses in Meta-Contrast Technique predicts suicide. (19 refs.)