Quantification of 'regressive thinking' by use of the Rorschach test. Leading symptom of the borderline syndrome?

In this study we have attempted to objectify the diagnosis of the borderline syndrome by the use of formal Rorschach testing criteria. The randomly selected protocols of 140 subjects between the ages of 17 and 25 were subjected to cluster analysis of currently accepted scoring criteria for such phenomena as prevalence of primary process thinking and disturbance of reality testing. We were unable to demonstrate a cluster of scored responses supposedly typical for the borderline syndrome. Conversely, however, the protocols of patients clinically diagnosed as borderline did show some 'typical' Rorschach signs.