Long Skirts & Dresses: thematic apperception test pictures

My TAT Collection

Hello all. After scouring the web for quite some time in search of a few images, I finally found an auction on eBay one day selling this series of Thematic Apperception Test images and an accompanying booklet explaining the test and how it is employed. A brief summary of the test can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thematic_Apperception_Test.

Given that I am an attorney, the first thing I'd like to point out is that I do not have the copy rights to these images, and that I am only publishing this blog to provide entertainment value and artistic appreciation, as well as critical commentary on: 1) the artists’ work, 2) the Thematic Apperception Test in general, and 3) the type of imagery used. I am trying to comply with copyright infringement laws, so I ask that you do the same... please don't copy these images, and if you are going to copy them, at least don't use them for profit in any way.

Now, some may argue that making the images widely available to the general public will defeat the purpose of the test; however, given that most psychologists and psychiatrists are reluctant to use this test today because of the incredibly subjective nature of the interpreter's results, I'm not terribly concerned with the fact that I'm publishing the images. If you are attempting to stay one step ahead of your psychiatrist or psychologist in reviewing these images by coming up with a story to tell them, you'll most likely be disappointed. Not only do most psychiatrists and psychologists refrain from using the TAT, those that still do are likely to utilize newer images - as you can tell, most of these are from the 1930's and 40's. Besides, there is no right answer or story.

Below each image is a caption of "B," "G," "M," "F," or some combination thereof, indicating the classification of the image. "B" indicates that the image is appropriate for boys under the age of 14. "G" indicates that the image is appropriate for girls below the age of 14. "M" is for males above the age of 14, and "F" is for females above the age of 14. Combinations mean that it is appropriate for all indicated age ranges and/or sexes included, and no caption indicates that it is appropriate for all ages and sexes.

Following any applicable classification is the name of the artist who drew the image or took the photo.

Enjoy!