ABSTRACT
Senior adults commonly experience events that may result in their becoming depressed. Such reactive depression can usually be understood as stemming from a sense of loss. The death of spouses and friends is probably the most widespread precipitant of sadness and may cause people to become at least temporarily discontent, pessimistic, and disinterested in pursuits that gave them pleasure. In addition to the indirect therapeutic benefit of providing a positive and potentially helpful experience, Rorschach assessment contributes directly to the welfare of examinees through its utility in treatment planning. Therapeutic assessment is an extended feedback process in which the patient and the examiner collaborate in reviewing the test findings and discussing their implications. With assessment focused on collaborative elaboration of the senior adult’s difficulties, both the patient and the therapist gain knowledge about issues that are likely to arise and need attention in the treatment.
