Usually, projective techniques to analyze personality are based on drawings, which are made by the person undergoing the test or presented so that the subject can freely make associations. When we talk about projective personality tests, we are referring to those with which, under a simple command, the person reflects their most hidden ideas and emotions. With these projective techniques, what is achieved is that the subject’s unconscious thoughts come to light.
But this is not only achieved with images, but words can also bring to light what even we do not know about ourselves. An example of this is the Sacks Incomplete Sentence Test. In this Psychology-Online article, we will talk about this technique based on completing incomplete sentences.
Sacks’ incomplete sentences
In this test we are presented, as its name indicates, incomplete sentences that we must follow. The principle of them appears to us and, as quickly as possible, to bring our unconscious to light, we must to complete the phrases finishing them in a way that makes sense to us. This sense is usually related to repressed feelings and emotions.
This type of tests based on completing sentences were born in clinical personality psychology since its main objective is evaluate, study and define feelings, attitudes and values of people in individual situations and relationships. It also has roots in psychoanalysis, since projective techniques use the theories of Freud, Jung and others to make a diagnosis based on our responses. However, this test also applies to other fields like marketingeducation or even personnel selection processes for managers and senior officials.
Along with the test of incomplete sentences by Sacksanother of the most used is Rotter’s incomplete sentences test. The Rotter test It has 40 sentences to complete, while the Sacks test usually has 60.
It is important to comment that, despite its application in clinical psychology, this test does not have great diagnostic validity. This means that we cannot detect a mental disorder using the Sacks test alone; to do so, we must use other tools such as the Rosenberg scale or .
Incomplete sentences test: examples
As we have mentioned previously, the basic order to perform this test is complete incomplete sentencesthese are grouped according to categories, so that, through the responses, the subject reflects their real thoughts around these areas.
The most common categories are:
- Father and authority figures
- Mother
- Current family
- Relationships
- Sexuality
- Emotion management
- Future and goals, etc.
When we perform the Sacks incomplete sentences test, we will find that we must complete sentences like the following:
- If I were big…
- If I don’t get what I want at home…
- Other people think I’m…
- I feel happy when…
- I feel resentment towards…
Once we respond to all the categories, an expert will interpret the sentences we have formed and analyze the personality factors hidden behind our answers. The report that can be made from this personality test will be of great help to get to know ourselves a little better and to detect if there are any factors that we should work on to improve in our personal or work environment.
Incomplete sentences test for children and adolescents
Sometimes, communication with our children can fail and, as a consequence, it is difficult for us to understand their personality. There is an adaptation of the Sacks test to children and adolescentsthis is slightly shorter than the adult version and some of the questions presented are as follows:
- If I were bigger
- When I am alone…
- When I’m older I’m going to…
- My dad and my mom…
- To other boys and girls…
- My father is…
Thanks to this adaptation, we can understand some of the repressed worries of our children and we will be able to help them move forward in their personal and emotional growth. If you are curious to analyze your personality, you can take a completely free online test. We recommend you perform the following test: .
Other types of personality tests
As we have mentioned previously, this test is part of the set of projective techniques typical of psychoanalysis. The objective of these is to shed light on unconscious thoughts and hidden elements of our personality. Some of the most famous projective techniques are the following:
However, over the years, projective techniques have stopped being used for individual diagnosis and evaluation. Today, the most used tests are those based on clinical or health psychology. One of the most used tests today is the test 16 pf. This tool is based on Cattell’s 16 personality factors theory and has an exhaustive analysis of those people who take the test.
On the other hand, here you can purchase a book that includes a wide variety of psychological tests that will help you know your aptitudes and the characteristics of your personality. A great help to face various life situations, both on a personal and professional level.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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