ABSTRACT
This chapter describes the development of the Thematic Apperception Test of Oral Dependency (TOD) as created by Masling, Rabie, and Blondheim (1967). Research on the development of the TOD is discussed, as is the history of assessing dependency with the TAT with other scoring systems. To evaluate further the validity and utility of the TOD, some methodological revisions were made to Masling et al.’s original study, and a group of 82 undergraduate students were evaluated with the newly revised TOD. Although the TOD has promise for further utility, substantial research is needed with the instrument to demonstrate its reliability and validity, as well as refining the method by which it is administered and scored. Six major areas of research are suggested to assist in this endeavor.
