ABSTRACT
The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) Affective Scale (Thomas, 1994; Thomas & Dudek, 1987) quantifies affective expressions in stories given to seven TAT cards. Each theme is weighed to qualify for a score within a range of +2 to –2, for either positive or negative affect. Degrees of positive and negative affect are evaluated within certain categories. The scale initially included three main interpersonal relationships categories: spouse, parent, nonspouse or peer (and other, e.g., brother–sister and self–offspring), to study a group of married participants. Nonattributed affect was added to other. It deals with internal feeling and generalized affect in the absence of a relationship. Administration instructions, rationale, and scoring guide may be adapted for other cards. Adaptation for children and adolescents is included. Respondents determine by and large the number of themes, scoring categories, and quality of affect. Stimulus pull and frequent responses cited in TAT literature, as well as the emotional content projected on cards, served as guidelines for specific numerical values attributed to themes. The stimulus pull of each card and frequent responses imply certain positive or negative responses, which was taken in consideration. However, the nature of subjects’ own interpersonal relationships and affective disposition actively contribute to the affective quality of their TAT stories.
