Abstract
This study examined the differences and characteristics of defense patterns on TAT responses among repressors and sensitizers. Based on the score on Byrne's repression-sensitization scale, 16 repressors and 16 sensitizers were selected from 90 male subjects, and the TAT was administered to them. Results showed that the mean time required to tell a story for each card was shorter for repressors than for sensitizers. Repressors' stories were shorter, monotonous and stereotyped, while sensitizers' were longer and more dramatic. Sensitizers sometimes were unable to construct stories, depending instead on direct verbalizations of anxiety. Content analysis demonstrated that repressors tended to express need as located in the external situation and press as coming from the environment, while sensitizers tended to express press as originative with persons and manifested need to avoid that press. These results suggest that the TAT clearly differentiates between repressors and sensitizers and that the study of defense behavior as it relates to the repression-sensitization dimension requires a multiphasic understanding.
