Can a behavior analyst use projective techniques? Theoretical and clinical thoughts

Abstract

Projective techniques (PTs) are psychological assessment resources with multiple clinical applications. Traditionally, such techniques are associated with psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theories; nonetheless, both the techniques and phenomena detected by them are not exclusive of any psychological theory. There are reports about behavior analysts using resources similar to PTs in a non-systematic way,
which suggests a theoretical-methodological lack related to instruments for clinical behavioral assessment in the present Brazilian literature. Therefore, this study seeks to analyze the usage possibilities of PTs for behavior analysts, as means of responding to such lack, based on a theoretical review, in order to approximate Psychological Assessment and Behavior Analysis (BA). We analyzed some PTs and phenomena related to them, and compiled theoretical interpretations and clinical
strategies that behavior analysis (BA) proposes to such phenomena. We understand that the current knowledge in BA provides broad possibilities of analysis and explanation of phenomena detected by projective techniques. Instruments involving narratives and structured stimuli or drawings seem to be the most useful for clinical use at this moment. Finally, we discuss aspects to be explored on the validity of
PTs-related data and reiterate the mutual benefit of the dialogue between Behavior Analysis and Psychological Assessment.