Pata Negra Test: What It Is And How This Projective Test Is Used
In psychological evaluation, projective tests consider that there are certain tendencies in people who are repressed and who project their covert mental processes thanks to external stimulation (such as a drawing).
In this article We will learn about the Pata Negra Test, a thematic projective test applicable especially in childhood, and which aims to explore the dynamic structure of the personality, as well as define the psychic organization of the person.
The Pata Negra Test is a projective (psychodynamic) psychological evaluation test, of a thematic type. Thematic projective tests are characterized by having visual material of different degrees of structuring that causes different emotions and memories in the person, from which the person must develop a story.
The Pata Negra Test is about one of the most used tests in the school and clinical setting to try to detect and interpret personality conflicts in children. It was developed by Louis Corman in 1979, although it continues to be widely used in the field of psychological evaluation.
Louis Corman (1901-1995) was a French psychiatrist, considered the father of morphopsychology. He also created the Family Test. He worked with children with different pathologies and communication difficulties.
For what do you use it?
The Pata Negra Test explores the dynamic structure of personality placing special emphasis on the mechanisms of the Ego and instinctive tendencies.
The test aims to identify (if they exist) deep personality conflicts, especially in the early stages of life.
How does it work?
The Pata Negra Test It is made up of 19 plates with scenes featuring little pigs among which is the little pig “Pata Negra” (protagonist).
It uses the method of free expression based on perceptual stimuli (scenes of little pigs, from which the examined subject must create a story and/or explain what is happening).
That is, it is a verbal thematic apperception test, which uses perceptual stimuli as reactive material. According to Bellack, apperception is a meaningful interpretation that an organism makes of a perception.
Preferences-identifications method
The Pata Negra Test also uses the “preferences-identifications” method, where the child separates the pictures he likes from those he doesn’t, and then explain why; He also identifies the characters he would like to be.
All of this serves to highlight Relevant topics in child development according to psychoanalysis or psychodynamic orientation These themes are some such as orality, anality, sexuality, aggression and sibling rivalry, dependence-independence, guilt, sex reversal, nurturing father and ideal mother.
Goals
The objectives of the Pata Negra Test There are essentially four:
Data sheet
Currently there is a paper version of the Pata Negra Test, the administration time being variable (approximately one hour). The age of application is between 4 and 15 years preferably.
The areas in which it is applied, as we have seen, are especially in the clinical setting and the school setting.
Types of sheets
The black leg test sheets are divided into four types:
The characters are introduced (consists of the first sheet).
2. General sheets
They are the 16 “intermediate” plates, where the adventures of the little pig Pata Negra are shown.
3. Plate 18
Shows the figure of a ladder.
4. Closure sheet
A fairy appears; the child is told that the fairy grants three wishes to Pata Negra and is asked to say what they are.
Advantages and disadvantages
Some of the advantages of the Pata Negra Test are that it can be applied in clinical and research settings with children, adolescents and even adults. It can also be applied to psychotic adults.
Regarding its limitations, we found that it presents too many variables to analyze, and that sometimes its interpretation can be somewhat “subjective”. Furthermore, all the criticisms directed at projective tests can be attributed to it, such as the problem caused by having to systematically interpret the answers given by the evaluated subject.
