The joy test

Abstract

To overcome the drawbacks that can sometimes arise when administering the Thematic Apperception Test, a similar test is proposed to verify whether the presentation of 12 original boards, including a blank board, could:
1. enable the patient to identify with the joyful situation proposed and project themselves into their responses;
2. highlight unresolved conflicts and compensations;
3. be used in psychotherapy to promote projects.
The criteria followed by the author in creating the plates are described: bright colors, large spaces, inclusion of human figures in nature, situations of good communication, achievement of positive results. There is no iconic presentation, but the contents and interpretative ideas that emerged when they were presented to 40 patients are described. The test would be useful for diagnostic purposes because it clearly highlights depressive situations, the patient's compensatory tendencies, and their level of community feeling. It could also help to encourage and plan positive experiences