A Test-Retest Study on the Diagnostic Validity of the Rorschach (R-PAS) in Depressed Patients Undergoing Treatment

• Grant number: 25/13440-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: December 01, 2025
• End date: April 30, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Andrés Eduardo Aguirre Antúnez
• Grantee: Maria Gabriella da Silva Sousa Santos
• Host Institution: Instituto de Psicologia (IP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This master's level study seeks to investigate if the Rorschach Performance Assessment System (R-PAS) can capture changes in depressive symptoms throughout treatment. The study will be conducted at the Mood Disorders Unit (GRUDA) at the Clinical Hospital of the University of São Paulo Medical School (HCFMUSP), which provides comprehensive and uniform clinical assessments for patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder. A total of 20 patients will be evaluated firstly before the treatment begins and then again after a two-month intervention period. These treatments may involve medication only, or psychoeducational strategies within the medication. The objective is to determine whether variations in specific R-PAS variables, namely MOR, Y, V, C', YTVC', and m, correspond to the symptom changes after treatment. To attest that there were significant changes after the treatments, two additional instruments will be employed: the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Depressive Thoughts Scale (EPD). (AU)