Demographic Details
Name : S.Y.
Age : 22 years
Gender : Female
Education : Graduate
Language : Hindi ( stories were allowed in Hindi and English)
Socioeconomic Status : Middle-class
Urban/Rural : Urban
Mental Health Status : No history of psychiatric illness; normal range
Materials Required
1. TAT Indian Adaptation Card Set
2. Notebook or writing pad
3. Pen/pencil
4. Timer or stopwatch (to manage session flow)
5. Audio recording device (if available, for accuracy in transcription)
Application of the test
The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is applied in three primary areas:
1. The Psychopathological: TAT is most widely used in diagnosing and treating
psychological disorders, helping to understand mental health issues.
2. The Genetic: It is used to study the development of an individual’s personality structure
over time.
3. The Cultural: TAT is applied to explore personality development and growth across
different ethnic and cultural groups.
TAT is effective in diagnosing personality traits, behavioral disorders, neuroses, and psychoses.
It can also serve as a short-term therapy method. According to Murray, the TAT helps reveal
dominant drives, emotions, and conflicts by encouraging the subject to project their underlying
needs and fantasies onto the images. Each image is designed to evoke a critical situation that
brings out the subject's fantasy. TAT requires a trained interpreter who understands the cultural
context and clinical techniques to accurately interpret the responses and uncover hidden motives
and tendencies that clients may be unwilling to admit directly.
Instructions
Following instructions were given to the subject:
“You will be shown a series of pictures. Your task is to look at each picture carefully and tell a
story based on what you see. There are no right or wrong answers; the goal is to understand your
thoughts, feelings, and how you interpret different situations. When you look at each image,
think about the following: What is happening in the picture? Who are the people? How do they
feel? What is the setting or background? What could happen next in the story? Feel free to be
creative and imagine what the characters in the picture might be thinking, feeling, or
experiencing.
Take your time to describe the scene in as much detail as you can. You should also explain why
you think the characters are acting the way they are. If there are any actions or events that are
unclear, try to interpret them in a way that makes sense to you. The purpose of this exercise is to
express how you perceive the situation and to show your emotional reactions to it. Each picture
is meant to provoke a different kind of response, so don’t worry if the stories you tell are
different from one another.
Remember, this test is not about telling a “correct” story but about how you think and feel when
you see certain images. It’s also important to note that you can talk about the characters’
thoughts and emotions in the story, not just their actions. You can also make up details about
what happened before or what might happen after the moment shown in the picture. It’s a chance
for you to express your inner thoughts freely, without any judgment. Just relax, take your time,
and share your thoughts openly as you look at each picture.”
Precautions
1. Confidentiality: The participant’s responses are kept private and only used for the
intended purpose.
2. Clear Instructions: The participant is given simple, clear instructions to ensure
understanding of the task.
3. Comfortable Environment: The test is conducted in a quiet, comfortable space to make
the participant feel at ease.
4. Neutrality of the Examiner: The examiner stays neutral and avoids influencing the
participant’s responses during the test.
5. Emotional Monitoring: The participant’s emotional state is observed, and support is
offered if distress occurs.
6. Standardized Procedure: The test is administered in a consistent manner to ensure
accurate and reliable results.
Procedure
The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is a psychology test that helps to understand what a
person is feeling deep inside — their hidden thoughts, emotions, fears, and dreams. People
usually don’t say these things directly, but through this test, we can get an idea of what’s going
on in their mind.
Before starting the test, it was important to set up a calm and quiet place. The room was kept
clean, peaceful, and free from noise, so the person felt comfortable. The materials needed were
the Indian TAT picture cards, a pen, a notebook, and sometimes a recorder to record the answers.
Next, the examiner spoke politely to the subject to help them feel relaxed. This was called
“building rapport.” It helped the subject feel safe, so they could share what was in their heart and
mind without fear. The examiner then explained what the test was about.
Examiner said something like: “I will show you a few pictures. For each picture, you have to tell
or write a short story. Just imagine what is happening in the picture, what happened before, what
the people in the picture might be thinking or feeling, and what might happen next. There are no
right or wrong answers. Just write what you feel.” (This helped the subject feel confident.)
In this version of the test, 11 cards were used. Each picture was shown one at a time. The subject
was given 2 to 3 minutes to look at the picture and think. Then they were asked to write a story
about it. If they were not comfortable writing, they could speak, and the examiner wrote it down.
They were given around 5 to 7 minutes for each story. The examiner remained quiet while the
subject was thinking or writing and only helped if they asked something or seemed confused.
While the subject was telling or writing the story, the examiner also observed their body
language and emotions. For example, if someone became sad while writing a story, that could
have been an important sign. But the examiner always stayed calm, friendly, and never laughed
or judged what the subject was saying. This helped the subject feel safe and open.
After the 11 stories were completed, the test ended. The examiner thanked the subject and may
have asked, “How did you feel during the test?” If any story made the subject emotional or upset,
the examiner spoke to them gently and made sure they were okay. This part is called debriefing.
In short, the Indian version of the TAT made by Dr. Uma Chaudhary is an easy and effective way
to learn about someone’s inner world. The procedure is simple: show pictures, ask the subject to
write stories, and listen carefully. This version works better for Indian people because it uses
Indian-style pictures, making it easier for subjects to connect and express themselves.
Scoring:
Scoring of TAT involves evaluating the following 5 different aspects of the stories (Murray,
1943):
The Hero: Identification of hero involves distinguishing the character in whom the story-teller
was apparently most interested, whose point of view was adopted, whose feelings and motives
have been most intimately portrayed.
Need of the Hero: It is crucial to identify the needs, motives, and desires of the hero.
Identifying the Presses: A press refers to environmental forces or situations that may influence
or interfere with the needs of the hero.
Scoring for Themes: It involves noting the nature of the interplay and conflict between the
needs and presses, the types of emotions elicited by this conflict and the way the conflict is
resolved.
Scoring for Outcome: It involves analysing how the stories end (happy vs unhappy endings)
and assessing the extent to which the ending is controlled by the strengths of the hero and forces
in the environment.
Result
The TAT stories show that the subject is emotionally sensitive and often reflects on personal
growth and healing. Most of their stories begin with challenges like sadness, conflict, or
confusion but gradually move toward positive change. A key factor in this change is the presence
of love, care, or support from others. This suggests that the subject believes emotional support
plays a big role in helping people heal and become better. The stories also reflect the subject’s
habit of thinking deeply about their feelings and learning from emotional experiences rather than
avoiding them. Even when the stories start with problems, they usually end with hope, showing
that the subject is optimistic and believes people can grow and improve, especially through
relationships. The subject values emotional connection, sees personal struggles as opportunities
for growth, and believes that love and understanding can transform lives.
Card 1 story is about Ankur (hero), a sincere and talented boy who excels in studies but
develops a deep passion for playing the sitar. He also falls in love with a girl named Falak. When
he shares his dreams and feelings with his father, he faces strong opposition. Choosing love and
passion over restrictions, Anku runs away with Falak. Despite hardships, he remains committed
to music and eventually becomes a successful sitar player. Years later, his family accepts him and
Falak, leading to a joyful reunion. The story reflects emotional growth, determination, and the
healing power of love, support, and reconciliation.
Card 2 story is about two families living in a village who were once very close but later got into
conflicts. In one family, there were Ram, Rinki, and Rohit. One day, Ram (hero) married a girl
named Ritu without informing his family. Ritu did not get along with Ram’s family, leading to
more disputes. Eventually, the two families separated. Later, Ritu stole money and jewelry and
ran away, causing Ram deep sorrow. Realizing his mistake, Ram apologized to his family. The
story ends with the message that family and love matter more than anything else.
Card 3 reflects a young girl’s emotional conflict due to lack of maternal affection. Aastha (hero)
feels unloved by her mother, which affects her deeply, despite being deeply loved by her father.
She becomes emotionally withdrawn but eventually finds happiness and companionship in a
friend. Their bond grows stronger with time, symbolizing hope and healing. When her mother
realizes Aastha’s worth through the boy’s proposal, she finally accepts and appreciates her. This
indicates the human need for love, acceptance, and how external validation can influence family
dynamics. The story ends positively, showing emotional resolution and restored relationships.
Card 4 represents the struggle of a girl named Sudha (hero), growing up in a life full of
responsibilities and emotional hardships. Despite her difficult circumstances, Sudha meets
Rambeer Ji, a knowledgeable man who inspires her to value education and wisdom. His words
spark a transformation in her, and she starts changing her life by focusing on learning. The story
reflects inner strength, resilience, and how guidance and compassion from the right person can
lead to personal growth. It’s a journey from sadness to empowerment, showing that with the right
support, anyone can bring a positive change in their life.
Card 5 story is about two brothers, Suraj (hero) and Chanda, who lived together. The hero here
is Suraj. Although Suraj loved Chanda, he sometimes neglected him, leading to small fights.
However, when their father Soham ji explained that maintaining good relationships requires
understanding and patience, Suraj realized his mistake. He showed maturity, apologized, and
made efforts to rebuild the bond with Chanda. Suraj’s character shows growth, acceptance, and
emotional intelligence, turning conflicts into stronger affection and unity.
Card 6 story is about a village, near a beautiful river, where Arjun lives, who is the hero of this
story. Arjun often visited the river where Meera, a girl from the village, also came. One stormy
day, Meera was caught in the river’s current. Without thinking of his own safety, Arjun bravely
saved her. When Meera, with teary eyes, called him her brother, Arjun accepted this bond with
great warmth. Arjun is portrayed as brave, selfless, and protective, embodying the spirit of
humanity and strong emotional values.
Card 7 story revolves around Ramesh (hero), a simple and emotional man living in a village. He
had a strong friendship with Sita, which later turned into love. Although Ramesh got married, he
could never forget Sita. One day, Ramesh confessed his love to Sita, and despite her initial
hesitation, they started meeting often. However, Ramesh’s wife grew suspicious. One night,
Ramesh’s wife caught them together and accused them of betrayal. Sita felt hurt and decided to
distance herself from Ramesh. Ramesh regretted his actions but realized too late the value of
loyalty and honesty.
Card 8 represents a village story, there was an old temple under a big peepal tree where people
believed their wishes came true. One day, a sad girl named Anju (hero) went there to pray for
peace and happiness. When she sat in the calm and quiet temple, she felt very peaceful inside.
She saw a smiling person and thought it was God. At that moment, Anju understood that real
happiness and solutions to problems come from inside herself, not from outside. This made her
stronger and helped her start a new, happier life.
Card 9 is about a woman named Sudha (hero), who feels distant from her husband because he is
always busy with work and doesn’t spend time with her. This makes Sudha very stressed and
overthink a lot. Her husband, however, is working hard only to ensure a good life for the family
but never expresses this to Sudha. One day, Sudha breaks down in tears, and her husband
comforts her, assuring her that he loves her and is always with her. He opens up about
everything, and they reconnect emotionally. The story shows the importance of communication
and emotional support in relationships.
Card 10 story is about Priya (hero), a girl from a village who feels deeply troubled by the
women in her family. While wandering in the forest, she discovers a beautiful glowing tree and
finds comfort there, visiting it daily to cry and be alone. Her mother, noticing this behavior,
becomes worried and warns her to stop, but Priya continues. One day, Priya goes there with
thoughts of ending her life. Luckily, her mother sees her and stops her just in time. Later, her
father has the tree cut down to prevent further harm. Priya feels hurt but eventually begins to heal
with time.
Card 11 reflects a personal moment of self-discovery. The subject sits in front of a blank page,
unsure what to write. Memories flood in—past struggles, experiences, and words from their
father: “Life gives you a new page every day, now think what you will write on it.” Inspired by
this thought, the subject starts writing and pours their heart out. The act of writing becomes
healing, as if a weight is lifted. By the end, they realize that even a blank page has the power to
change a life. It’s a beautiful reflection on hope, healing, and fresh beginnings.
Table 1: TAT Story Analysis: Themes and Subordinate Themes
Card Themes Subordinate themes Main theme
No.
1. Achievement Motivation Desire for equality Emotional growth and
transformation
Love and sexual
relationships
Rebellion and escape
Struggle and frustration
Need for support and
companionship
Resolution of conflict
Success and recognition
Loss, guilt and emotional
healing
2. Interpersonal conflict Emotional maturity
through experience
Love and emotional
attachment
Jealousy and betrayal
Family bonding
Emotional breakdown and
coping
Forgiveness and
reconciliation
Abandonment and loss
Support system
Expectations, acceptance
and adjustments
3. Sibling rivalry Mentorship as a catalyst
for change
Inferiority complex
Parental influence and
family bonding
Moral development
Emotional maturity
Acceptance and
self-identity
Social support
Conflict resolution
4. Family relationships and Societal acceptance and
emotions change
Misunderstandings and
their resolutions
Love and belongingness
Importance of education
Process of social change
Loneliness, sadness and
healing
Sacrifice and maturity
Value of bonds
Women empowerment and
self-reliance
Efforts towards positive
change in society
5. Education and knowledge Loneliness leading to self
- discovery
Family relationships
Transformation and
growth
Sacrifice and support
Conflict and resolution
Love and compassion
Change in society and
forgiveness
Identity and self worth
Gender roles and
empowerment
6. Heroism and bravery Emotional suppression Growth through love and
and expression understanding
Gratitude and emotional
connection
Love and growing bond
New beginnings
Sacrifice and selflessness
Destiny and chance
Rescue and relief
Transformation through
experience
7. Unspoken love Importance of
communication in
Emotional conflict relationships
Friendship vs. love
Guilt and betrayal
Moral dilemma
Broken trust and moving
on
Consequences of
dishonesty
Realization too late
Emotional maturity
8. Faith, belief and spiritual Self - discovery through
healing solitude or struggle
Inner strength and self
reflection
Emotional pain
Search for peace
Hope and positivity
Divine guidance and
transformation
Acceptance and growth
8. Faith, belief and spiritual Self - discovery through
healing solitude or struggle
Inner strength and self
reflection
Emotional pain
Search for peace
Hope and positivity
Divine guidance and
transformation
Acceptance and growth
9. Emotional distance in Inner vs. outer world
relationships
Loneliness and unspoken
emotions
Miscommunication
Mental health struggles
Empathy and realization
Emotional reconnection
Importance of presence
Honest communication
10. Emotional neglect Healing and hope
Loneliness and concerned
parents
Coping mechanism
Emotional struggle
Mental health awareness
Preventing harm
Loss and attachment
Healing with time
11. Self reflection and Healing through
transformation self-awareness and
emotional release
Parental guidance
Memory and healing
Life as a blank page
Emotional catharsis
Empowerment through
expression
Hope and new beginnings
Power of words
Table 2 : Analysis of content : Thema and interpersonal relationships
Card Thema Interpersonal
No. relations
M F Need/Press Outcome
1 M Freedom, love Success in music, Conflict→
family reunion acceptance
2 M Family support Realization, apology Broken →
mended
relationships
3 F Love, acceptance Healing through Neglect → care
friendship
4 F Growth, self-worth Transformation through Guidance and
learning support
5 M Understanding, patience Improved bond Conflict →
stronger bond
6 M Protection, bravery Brother-sister bond Stranger →
formed family bond
7 M Love, loyalty Regret after loss Love → betrayal
→ distance
8 F Inner peace, strength Self-realization Self-discovery
9 F Communication, love Emotional reconnection Distance →
understanding
10 F Safety, family concern Healing over time Parental support
11 M Hope, healing Positive change, new Self-growth
beginning
Discussion
The cards highlight various aspects of emotional and psychological growth, focusing on personal
transformation, relationships, coping mechanisms, inner strength, and maturity.
Personal transformation and healing (Cards 1, 5, 6, 8, 11) show characters overcoming
challenges and emerging stronger, often through self-reflection or external support. These stories
emphasize the healing process and the change that comes with facing difficulties.
The role of relationships (Cards 2, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10) is central to emotional development. Family,
love, and friendship provide the support needed to navigate emotional struggles. Relationships
shape self-identity and foster growth, helping characters heal and develop a deeper
understanding of themselves.
Coping with emotional conflict and psychological distress (Cards 2, 7, 9, 10) explores how
characters manage emotional pain and difficult situations. These stories show that distress is a
part of life, and finding ways to cope strengthens emotional resilience.
Inner strength, self-identity, and moral development (Cards 3, 4, 8, 11) focus on how characters
develop a clearer sense of who they are, building inner strength through challenges and personal
growth.
Finally, sacrifice, support, and reconciliation leading to maturity (Cards 1, 4, 5, 6) illustrate how
acts of kindness and reconciliation contribute to emotional maturity, teaching important life
lessons through selflessness and support.
In the stories told during the TAT test, we can see many common emotional themes. These
themes help us understand what the person is feeling inside and how they deal with different life
situations. One big theme is the desire to achieve something. Many characters in the stories
want to succeed, work hard, and prove themselves. They face problems, but they keep trying.
This shows their strong motivation to do something good in life.
Some stories also show a strong wish for fairness and equality. The characters feel bad when
they are treated unfairly, and they want to be treated the same as others. Along with this, there
are stories where the person feels frustrated or helpless, but with support from loved ones,
they manage to change and grow. These stories show how people can become better and stronger
when they are supported emotionally.
Love and relationships are another big theme. In many stories, love helps the characters grow
and feel happy. But sometimes, love also brings pain, like jealousy, betrayal, or guilt. Some
characters feel sad because they lost someone or were left alone. But slowly, they learn to
forgive, adjust, and become more emotionally mature. Friendship, family support, and
understanding help them feel better.
In some stories, there are fights or conflicts between people—especially family members,
siblings, or close friends. These fights can hurt, but later, they help the characters learn important
lessons about life and relationships. Forgiveness, talking things out, and accepting others are
shown as ways to solve these problems and move forward.
There are also stories where siblings feel jealous of each other or want more attention. But
later, they learn from each other and grow emotionally. Some characters feel less confident, but
with the help of parents or teachers, they become stronger. These stories show how family,
guidance, and love help in building a good personality. Family relationships are shown a lot in
the stories. People feel close to their parents, miss them, or want to make them proud.
Sometimes, there are misunderstandings, but later, the characters realize the value of love and
support. Some stories talk about education, changing society, and empowering women, which
shows how people want to grow and make a better future for themselves and others.
In some cases, the characters are lonely, but they use that time to discover themselves. They
think deeply and learn more about who they are. They face sadness, but they also find hope,
peace, and strength. Believing in God or a higher power also helps some characters find
emotional healing and a new direction in life. A few stories show serious problems like
emotional neglect, mental stress, or feeling empty inside. But even these stories often end with
some kind of healing—through time, support, love, or professional help. Talking openly,
sharing feelings, and being present for others are shown as very important.
Finally, many stories show self-reflection, where the person looks back on their life, learns from
it, and grows. Writing, thinking, or remembering the past helps them let go of pain. These stories
usually end with hope, new beginnings, and a feeling that things will get better. In simple
words, all these stories show that life has problems, but with love, support, understanding, and
hope, people can grow emotionally and become stronger, happier, and better human beings.
Conclusion
The TAT story analysis shows that people go through many emotional situations in life. These
stories reflect both the good and bad sides of human feelings. The characters deal with failure,
loneliness, jealousy, betrayal, and emotional pain, which leave a strong impact on them. But they
also experience love, care, support, friendship, and hope. These emotional ups and downs help
the characters grow, learn life lessons, and understand themselves better. A key message in these
stories is that emotional growth and change are possible. When people receive love, support, and
have the will to improve, they can overcome their struggles. Even if someone feels broken or
hopeless, healing and transformation can still happen. The stories show that achieving goals,
solving conflicts, building relationships, or accepting oneself are all important steps in emotional
growth. Communication, self-reflection, and support from others also help in healing. The
characters often find strength by facing their problems. These stories remind us that pain is a part
of life, but with courage, people can learn, grow, and move toward a better future.
References
1. Wikipedia. (n.d.). Thematic Apperception Test.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thematic_Apperception_Test
2. Cherry, K. (2024). Thematic Apperception Test Overview. Verywell Mind.
https://www.verywellmind.com/thematic-apperception-test-2796005
3. McLeod, S. (2019). Defense Mechanisms: Projection. Simply Psychology.
https://www.simplypsychology.org/defense-mechanisms.html
4. Singh, A. (2016). Indian Adaptation of the TAT. SlideShare.
https://www.slideshare.net/ajaysingh991991/tat-61775889
5. Chowdhury, U. (1983). An Indian Modification of the Thematic Apperception Test.
Google Books.
https://books.google.com/books/about/An_Indian_Modification_of_the_Thematic_A.htm
l?id=_l21c8s2MJIC
6. Psychestudy. (n.d.). Uses and Applications of TAT.
https://www.psychestudy.com/general/projective-tests/thematic-apperception-test
