The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a projective psychological test
that assesses a person's patterns of thought, attitudes, observational
capacity, and emotional responses to ambiguous test materials. It was
developed by Henry A. Murray and Christiana D. Morgan in the 1930s. The
test typically includes 31 picture cards, but not all are shown to each
individual—selection depends on age, gender, and specific diagnostic
goals.
Here’s a general discussion of all 31 TAT cards, focusing on their common
themes, emotional tones, and projective elements. Note that
interpretation varies by subject responses and clinical context.
Card 1 – Boy with Violin
Visual: A young boy with a violin and bow lies on the table, head down,
appearing disappointed.
Themes: Academic or artistic performance, frustration, failure,
perfectionism.
Interpretation: Often associated with childhood disappointment,
parental expectations, or fear of inadequacy. May reflect internalized
pressure to achieve or sadness from failure.
Card 2 – Older Man and Young Woman
Visual: An older man and a young woman sit near each other, not
interacting.
Themes: Generational conflict, sexual tension, authority, dependence.
Interpretation: May evoke dynamics of control or power imbalance,
often interpreted as father-daughter or romantic tension. May reveal
feelings about dependency, boundaries, or authority.
Card 3BM – Three Figures (Two Men, One Woman)
Visual: Three individuals (typically interpreted as two men and one
woman), positioned tensely.
Themes: Triangulation, rivalry, romantic jealousy, family dynamics.
Interpretation: Explores interpersonal competition, betrayal, or divided
loyalties. Often used to understand sibling rivalry or love triangles.
Card 4 – Man and Woman in Bedroom
Visual: A man stands by a bed where a woman lies. He appears conflicted
or introspective.
Themes: Guilt, emotional/sexual intimacy, secrecy.
Interpretation: Often produces stories about unfaithfulness, repressed
desires, or troubled relationships. May reflect ambivalence about
closeness or boundaries.
Card 5 – Woman Over Man in Bed
Visual: A woman leans over an unconscious or ill man in bed.
Themes: Protection, caregiving, emotional dependence, helplessness.
Interpretation: May elicit maternal themes, compassion, or power
imbalance. Can reflect caretaking stress or fear of vulnerability.
Card 6BM – Man Sitting Alone Looking Down
Visual: A man with head bowed, sitting with hands in his lap.
Themes: Depression, shame, contemplation, regret.
Interpretation: Often reflects internal conflict, remorse, loss, or defeat.
Can indicate low self-worth or existential reflection.
Card 7BM – Boy Looking at Seated Woman
Visual: A boy looks toward a woman (possibly mother) sitting in a chair.
Themes: Separation, longing, maternal relationships.
Interpretation: Reveals themes of dependency, maternal attachment,
separation anxiety, or developmental transitions.
Card 8BM – Man and Woman Facing Away
Visual: A man and a woman sit close but look in opposite directions.
Themes: Conflict, emotional distance, miscommunication.
Interpretation: May depict estranged couples or parental discord. Often
used to explore ambivalence, failed intimacy, or suppressed anger.
Card 9BM – Man with Hands on Head
Visual: A man appears distressed, with his hands covering his face or
head.
Themes: Crisis, anxiety, guilt, breakdown.
Interpretation: Commonly elicits stories of personal failure or
overwhelming stress. Can reveal deep fears or moral conflicts.
Card 10 – Woman Crying on Bed
Visual: A woman is collapsed on a bed, possibly sobbing.
Themes: Grief, abandonment, despair, trauma.
Interpretation: Frequently evokes experiences of loss, heartbreak, or
intense vulnerability. May uncover trauma or abandonment issues.
Card 11 – Outdoor Scene with Figure
Visual: A solitary figure walking outdoors, possibly toward a cabin or
forest.
Themes: Exploration, isolation, freedom, confrontation with the unknown.
Interpretation: Responses vary; may reflect inner journey, retreat from
society, or search for meaning.
Card 12M – Boy with Mechanical Tools
Visual: A boy sits at a table with tools or mechanical parts.
Themes: Skill, competence, innovation, learning.
Interpretation: Often indicates efforts to prove worth, gain approval, or
solve problems. May show identity formation through activity.
Card 13MF – Man and Woman in Ambiguous Posture
Visual: A man and a woman in a room—interaction unclear.
Themes: Romantic/sexual tension, gender conflict, connection or
alienation.
Interpretation: Can reflect emotional distance, unspoken needs, or fear
of intimacy. Highly projective for gender roles.
Card 13B – Boy and Older Man
Visual: A young boy and an older man interact—unclear whether friendly
or disciplinary.
Themes: Authority, mentorship, father-son dynamics.
Interpretation: Explores obedience, rebellion, support, or rivalry. Often
linked to paternal influence.
Card 14 – Elderly Woman
Visual: An old woman stands or sits alone.
Themes: Aging, wisdom, loneliness, maternal legacy.
Interpretation: May trigger stories about mortality, rejection, or respect.
Often evokes feelings about caregiving or generational transitions.
Card 15 – Abstract/Dreamlike Image
Visual: Very vague or surreal image.
Themes: Deep psychological projection.
Interpretation: Allows highly symbolic stories; often taps into the
unconscious and may resemble dreams or fantasies.
Card 16 – Man and Woman in Tense Posture
Visual: A man and woman face each other across a room.
Themes: Communication struggles, emotional tension.
Interpretation: Commonly reveals fear of confrontation, relational
impasse, or emotional disconnection.
Card 17BM – Man at Desk, Head Down
Visual: A man appears defeated or exhausted at a desk.
Themes: Burnout, failure, stress.
Interpretation: Indicates work-related stress or internalized failure. May
project fear of collapse or isolation.
Card 18GF – Woman Against Wall
Visual: A woman leans against a wall, eyes closed or downcast.
Themes: Exhaustion, emotional overwhelm.
Interpretation: Can represent emotional withdrawal, suppression, or
fatigue in response to pressure.
Card 19 – Man Facing Door
Visual: A man stands at a closed door.
Themes: Opportunity, risk, curiosity, anxiety.
Interpretation: May reflect transitions, anticipation, or fear of change.
Can reveal thoughts about the future or unknown.
Card 20 – Older Man and Young Woman in Room
Visual: An older man seated or speaking to a younger woman.
Themes: Authority, mentorship, seduction.
Interpretation: May suggest power dynamics, emotional dependency, or
inappropriate boundaries.
Card 21 – Men with Scientific Equipment
Visual: Men gathered around lab equipment or charts.
Themes: Collaboration, intellect, work dynamics.
Interpretation: Often reflects teamwork, ambition, or role in structured
environments like school or work.
Card 22 – People Climbing Hill or Ladder
Visual: Figures ascending a steep slope or mountain.
Themes: Aspiration, struggle, perseverance.
Interpretation: Typically shows drive to succeed, overcome odds, or
navigate adversity.
Card 23V – Shadowy Figure in Doorway
Visual: A vague or dark figure stands in a doorway.
Themes: Threat, unknown, fear.
Interpretation: Strongly projective; often evokes fear, anxiety, or
unresolved trauma.
Card 24GF – Woman Holding Her Face
Visual: Woman with head in hands or appearing distraught.
Themes: Shame, despair, emotional pain.
Interpretation: Elicits themes of secrecy, regret, or self-judgment. Can
be linked to trauma or social isolation.
Card 25 – Ambiguous/Abstract Image
Visual: Indistinct, cloud-like or blurred forms.
Themes: Free fantasy, disorganization, creativity.
Interpretation: High variability; used to draw unconscious symbols and
projective fantasies.
Card 26 – Woman and Child
Visual: A woman with a child, often interpreted as mother and child.
Themes: Nurturing, protection, development.
Interpretation: Commonly evokes caregiving themes, mother-child
bonds, or dependency fears.
Card 27 – Boy Looking into Room
Visual: A boy stands at a doorway, peering into a room.
Themes: Curiosity, exclusion, intrusion.
Interpretation: May reflect transition, anxiety about boundaries, or
desire for connection.
Card 28 – Figure in Window/Doorway
Visual: Ambiguous figure seen from behind a window or in a doorway.
Themes: Distance, surveillance, isolation.
Interpretation: Often linked to themes of being watched, emotional
exclusion, or longing.
Card 29 – Man with Outstretched Arms
Visual: A man stands with arms extended.
Themes: Expression, appeal, surrender.
Interpretation: Can reflect desire for attention, liberation, or emotional
breakthrough.
Card 30 – Man on Ground, Others Nearby
Visual: A man appears to have fallen or is prone, surrounded by figures.
Themes: Humiliation, violence, rejection.
Interpretation: Often elicits stories of defeat, bullying, group dynamics,
or rescue.
Card 31 – Blank Card
Visual: Completely blank.
Themes: Total projection, pure fantasy.
Interpretation: Used to uncover deep unconscious processes. May
produce highly symbolic or personal narratives not tied to specific visuals.
