Khushi Jain
2437425
Department of Psychology CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Bangalore, India
MPCL
PD Lab
Dr. Athullya S. Nair
31 July 2025
1
Sentence Completion Test (SCT)
The Sentence Completion Test (SCT) is a widely used projective psychological
assessment tool designed to explore an individual's thoughts, feelings, needs, conflicts, and
personality dynamics. One of the most well-known adaptations of this technique is the Sacks
Sentence Completion Test (SSCT), developed by Joseph M. Sacks in collaboration with Levy. It
was developed in the 1940s, based on the general framework of sentence completion as a
projective technique but refined to assess specific domains of personality and areas of conflict.
The SSCT consists of 60 incomplete sentences that the examinee is asked to complete as
quickly and honestly as possible. These sentence stems are carefully chosen to reflect various
domains of life such as family, sex, interpersonal relationships, self-concept, and future
ambitions. The responses are then analyzed qualitatively for thematic content and quantitatively
in terms of the emotional tone and conflict areas they reflect. There is no single correct answer;
instead, the content of the response is taken to reflect unconscious motivations, desires,
anxieties, and attitudes.
The current version in common use is the one refined by Sacks and Levy, and it is often
referred to as Sacks Sentence Completion Test (SSCT). The test is typically administered
individually, and is suitable for adolescents and adults. The examiner provides the incomplete
sentences one at a time (either orally or on paper), and the respondent is expected to complete
them, ideally spontaneously and without overthinking.
Administration takes approximately 20–30 minutes, and it can be used in both clinical
and non- clinical settings. The responses are later interpreted using manuals and scoring guides,
though a large part of the interpretation is qualitative and dependent on the clinician’s expertise
in psychoanalytic or psychodynamic theory.
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The SSCT is primarily used for personality assessment, diagnostic clarification, therapy
planning, and sometimes even in career counseling or forensic evaluations. It is especially
valued for its ability to tap into unconscious or latent content, which may not surface in
structured or self-report tools. Unlike other projective tests like the Rorschach Inkblot Test or
Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), the SCT offers a semi-structured format that allows for rich
narrative output while still being relatively simple to administer and interpret.
The SSCT is unique in that it examines not just general personality structure but also
specific areas of interpersonal conflict, such as relationships with mother, father, siblings,
authority figures, and sexual identity, among others. This makes it particularly useful in
psychodynamic case formulation,
where unresolved conflicts and developmental issues are central to understanding the client’s inner
world.
Test Overview
Authors
Developed by Joseph M. Sacks, later adapted and expanded by Indian psychologists including
Dr.
A. K. Singh for the Indian context.
Year of Publication
Originally conceptualized and used in the 1940s–1950s, with the Indian adaptation
published around 1971 by Dr. A. K. Singh.
Number of Items
60 incomplete sentence stems divided into four broad areas, each with 15 items:
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1. Family Area - The family area included three sets of attitudes, namely those towards
mother, father, and the family unit. It is hoped that even when the subject becomes
evasive or cautious, at least one of the four items in each area will reveal significant
response.
2. Sex Area- includes attitudes towards women and heterosexual relationships. The eight
items in this area allows the subject to express himself with regards to women, towards
marriage, and with respect to sexual relationships.
3. Interpersonal Relations Area- includes attitudes towards friends and acquaintances,
colleagues at work or school, superior at work or school, and people supervised. The 16
items in this area affords the subject expresses feelings towards those.
4. Self-Concept Area- includes fear, guilt feelings, goals, attitudes towards one's
vulnerability, concept of himself as he is, he was, and as he hopes to be. There are 24
items included in this area.
Administration
Mode: Paper-pencil test
Administration Style: Participants are given sentence stems and asked to complete each in their
own words, as quickly and naturally as possible.
Duration: Roughly 20–30 minutes, though there is no strict time limit
Scoring and Interpretation
Based on the clinical judgement, the clinician is asked to score it according to the following
scale:
X – Insufficient evidence
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0 – No significant disturbance in the area
1 – Mildly disturbed – emotional conflicts but appears to handle them without therapy.
2 – Severely disturbed – Requires significant therapeutic help with handling the
significant issue or emotional conflict.
Participant Proforma
Name: DB
Age: 22
years
Gender: F
Education: Msc
CP Occupation:
Student Residence:
Urban
Date of Test Administration: 22/07/2025
Procedure and Administration (as conducted)
Setting: A quiet, noise-free environment was ensured with comfortable seating
arrangements so the client felt at ease
Method: Proforma was handed over, and the participant was asked to fill in the blanks
beside each statement
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Results
Table 1.1
Family Area
Domain Sentence Stem Participant Rating
Response
Attitude towards My mother is is my soulmate 0
mother My mother and I are very close
I think most mothers are overbearing
I like my mother but she sometimes
irritates me
for anyone
Attitude towards I feel that my father goes to work 0
father
seldom
If my father would only Stay with me
I wish my father was Was here
I feel that my father is Very good
Attitude towards Compared to most Is perfect 1
family
families, mine
unit
My family treats me shit
like
Most families I know Are crazy
When I was a child, my Loved me
family
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Table 1.2
Sex Area
Domain Sentence Stem Participant Response Rating
My idea of a perfect Beautifully intelligent 0
Attitude towards
Women woman is
I think most girls are Beautiful
I believe most women Are stupid
What I like least about is that they are
incompetent
women is
Attitude When I see a man and I go awww 0
a
towards
woman together
Heterosexual My feeling about Do it
married
Relationships
life is
If I had sex relations he would be the one
My sex life Is non existent
Table 1.3
Interpersonal Relations Area
Domain Sentence Stem Participant Response Rating
Attitude I feel that a real friend Will always have 0
my back
towards I do not like people who lie
Friends and
Acquaintances
The people I like best are My friends
When I am not around, Bully me
my friends
7
Attitude towards The men over me Are powerful 0
Superiors at Work or In school, my teachers Were very helpful
When I see the boss Smile at him
School
coming, I
People whom I consider Are intelligent
my superiors
Attitude towards If I were in charge I would be the 0
president
People Supervised
If people work for me I would be a good
leader
The people who work competent
for
me are
In giving order to Am empathetic
others, I
Attitude towards At work, I get along myself 1
best
Colleagues at Work
with
or School The I work with are competent
I like working with Are competent
people
who
People who work with are irritating
me are usually
8
Table 1.4
Self-concept Area
Domain Sentence Stem Participant Rating
Response
Fears I know it is silly but I'm clowns 1
afraid of
Most of my friends do not clowns
know that I'm
afraid of
I wish I could lose the being
fear of
My fears sometimes Not take the
leap
force me to
Guilt Feelings I would do anything to embarrassed 1
myself
forget the time I
My greatest mistake being born
was
When I was young I felt Having mangoes
guilty about
The worst thing I ever was to betray
someone’s trust
did
9
Attitude towards Own When I am in difficulty I go to my mother 0
Abilities
I could be perfectly My boyfriend was with
me
happy if
My greatest weakness Being weak
is
When luck turns I make lemonade
against me
Attitude towards To me the future looks black 1
Future
I look forward to Being a good human
being
Someday I will be famous
When I am older I will be crazy
Goals I always wanted to Be a singer 0
I could be perfectly My boyfriend was with
me
happy if
My secret ambition in To be a doctor
life is
What I want most out To be happy
of life js
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Interpretation
Family Area
Attitude Toward Mother
Responses suggest a deep emotional bond and high regard for the mother, describing her as a “soulmate”
and noting closeness. However, there is acknowledgment of occasional irritation. This indicates a secure
attachment but with normal relational boundaries where minor conflicts are tolerated.
Attitude Toward Father
The responses show a desire for greater presence and involvement from the father, suggesting
possible physical or emotional absence. While there is a positive statement (“very good”), the longing for
him to “stay” indicates unmet needs for connection.
Attitude Toward Family Unit
Statements range from idealizing “perfect” to expressing strong dissatisfaction “treats me like shit”,
showing polarized perceptions. This may reflect ambivalent feelings toward the family as a whole
appreciation of some aspects but also recognition of dysfunction.
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Sex Area
Attitude Toward Women.
Descriptions show high appreciation for intelligence and beauty, but also contain negative
generalizations “incompetent”, revealing a mix of admiration and critical judgment. This ambivalence may
be shaped by personal experiences or cultural narratives.
Attitude Toward Heterosexual Relationships.
Responses convey a romanticized and positive view of “aww” at couples, willingness toward
marriage, but also disclose a lack of current sexual activity. This could indicate optimism about future
relationships while experiencing a gap between ideals and present reality.
Interpersonal Relations Area
Attitude Toward Friends and Acquaintances.
The participant values loyalty highly but mentions being bullied in their absence, suggesting
underlying trust concerns despite valuing friendships.
12
Attitude Toward Superiors at Work or School.
Positive perception of authority figures (“powerful,” “helpful,” “intelligent”) indicates respect for
hierarchical structures and possibly comfort with guidance from those in leadership roles.
Attitude Toward People Supervised.
Responses suggest self-confidence in leadership abilities and empathy in managing others, reflecting a supportive
leadership style.
Attitude Toward Colleagues
Preference for working alone “get along best with myself” and irritation with co-workers may
indicate introversion or difficulty in sustained collaborative work environments.
Self-Concept Area
Fears
Specific phobia of clowns is noted and is acknowledged as “silly” but still influential enough
to limit risk-taking in other areas. This could point toward some anxiety traits.
13
Guilt Feelings
Expressions range from embarrassment to extreme self-deprecating statements (“being born”),
suggesting moments of low self-esteem and potential self-critical tendencies.
Attitude Toward Own Abilities
Reliance on mother in difficulty suggests dependence in coping, though there is also evidence of optimism
and adaptability “make lemonade”.
Attitude Toward Future
Mixed outlook; future seen as “black” but also hope to be a good human and famous. Indicates underlying
uncertainty with intermittent optimism.
Goals
Goals range from artistic (singing) to altruistic (doctor) and personal happiness, suggesting broad
aspirations but also emotional dependence in defining happiness (“boyfriend”).
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Summary
The participant’s responses indicate strong emotional bonds with their mother, some
longing for connection with the father, and mixed feelings toward the family unit — oscillating
between idealization and criticism.
Attitudes toward women and heterosexual relationships are generally positive and romanticized,
but tinged with occasional negative generalizations and acknowledgment of a lack of current
relationship experience.
In interpersonal relationships, the participant values loyalty, respects authority, and feels
confident in leadership, yet shows a preference for working alone and occasional mistrust
toward peers.
Self-concept reveals specific fears, occasional self-deprecating guilt, reliance on close
relationships for coping, and a future outlook marked by both pessimism and hope. Goals are
varied, including creative, professional, and personal aspirations, but at times seem dependent
on relational fulfillment.
Recommendations
o Strengthen Interpersonal Skills
Encourage gradual exposure to more collaborative environments to balance the preference for
working alone and improve tolerance for interpersonal differences.
o Address Self-Critical Tendencies
Engage in self-esteem–building interventions such as journaling strengths, cognitive
restructuring, or affirmations to counteract extreme negative self-statements.
o Enhance Coping Independence
Foster problem-solving and resilience strategies that are not solely reliant on close family
members, promoting autonomy in facing challenges.
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o Clarify and Prioritize Goals
Use goal-setting exercises (e.g., SMART goals) to focus aspirations and bridge the gap
between idealized visions and actionable steps.
o Balance Family Perceptions
Work on exploring and integrating both positive and negative aspects of family relationships to
develop a more stable emotional perspective.
o Cultivate a Balanced Future Outlook
Employ positive visualization and realistic planning to replace generalized pessimism with
constructive optimism.
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References
Kohli, A., Jhanda, S., & Padhy, S. (2018b). The utility of modified version of sentence completion test for
children and adolescents. Industrial Psychiatry Journal, 27(2), 231. https://doi.org/10.4103/ipj.ipj_63_18
Villahermosa, G. E. (n.d.). Sack s sentence completion test report. SlideShare.
https://www.slideshare.net/slideshow/sack-s-sentence-completion-test-report/26751373
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Agr 2 testog Da:e
SLHTLCL COMiLE ION TEST
liNSTRUC THONS
"The color
Fa exaTple
You w!! 5;beiow e umber ci i connete sentences first idea hat
quickly in the tblank space the
oi the CrOV: 1S Writa nporari.
Quickness is very
mnd lo complete each sentence.
taiies iG yoi
Ansve repic'y
1 feel that my iether seldom
24When!amin diiculty
3always wanled io
41f Iwere in charge
5.To me the iuture iooks
6The mEn over me
cloi
1 kicIR i5 slly but l am afraid of
5.! ieei ithai [ resl friend
loak
S.Wheniwes a child
10.My ides ofa peieçt woñman is.
11Whenisee a man andawoman tögether, 7o
iserf.
12.Compared to most familie_mine
13.Alv/ork, 1gat elong best with
14.y mGiher
15/wouic Co aiytting.toforget the timel
16-1.beliee thet lheve the ability t .
47.Ji-ny iatnar. would only
18 couic be,periscily happy if
i9.li pecpis ork ior me
tMcntal Heath Centre
44:1
thi
20 | look forward to
21.In school my,teachers
,
22 Most of my frienids do not know that1 am afraid of
23. Ido not like people who
24. Before, 1
25.1 think most girds are
26.My feeling about married life is
27.My farnily treats me like.
28.Those lwork with are
29.My mothier and !are
30. My greatest mistake was
31. My greatest weakness is eee
32. 1vish my father was kese
33. My sectet anbition in life is:
34. The people whowork for me are
35.Some day I wiiu.te, amoUg:
36.When I see the boss coming!. omea
:
37.! wish lcould lose the fear of
38.The people I like best.are
39.1f 1vwere a cihild again
40.1 believe rnost womeD
41.If 1had sex rel¡tions
42.MTst.fanilies.I know
43.1 ike working with people who
ae
VAondal teakh Certe
think that most mothers
a:l
P46.WhenI was younger, I fell guilly abot
A6l feel that my father is
A} When luck turnsagainst me
n48.In giving orders to others. 1
D 49. What Iwant. the most out of life is
D 50.When Iam older l b. e x^b 1
51.People whom l consider my superiors
52.My fears sometimes force me to
builu
53.When I am nofaröund; my. triends
54.My most vivid hildhood memory was (iot
.ane ineo w f e t e e (
55.What I like least abcut women
ex í c t e t
56. My sex life
57.WheDlwas a child my family
usually
P 58.People who work with me
D59.|like my mother but ,
60.The worst thingl ever did
Feay.2,3352:-,a,of
59 .0, 0;0,0
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