Examining the Clinical Utility of the Moreno Social Atom Projective Test
Keywords:
MorenoAbstract
The Moreno Social Atom Projective Test (MSAPT) is an adaptation of an egocentric social network measure first developed by Jacob Moreno in 1936. A theory- driven clinical instrument, Moreno's Social Atom Test has not achieved wider acceptance as a diagnostic test, in part because of a lack of empirical data to support its clinical utility. The author conducted this study in order to address the issues of standardization, reliability, validity, and clinical utility of the MSAPT. One hundred nonclinical adult participants were evaluated with a battery of three instruments: the MSAPT, the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and the
Symptom Checklist-90-R (SCL-90-R). Multiple regression analyses demonstrated the MSAPT's ability to predict symptomology, using the Global Severity Index, F(6, 93) = 3.58, p<.01, and each of the nine subscores of the SCL-90-R. The MSAPT conflict score was the major predictor for all SCL-90-R scores; reciprocity and gender scores also achieved significant levels. The MSAPT demonstrated good concurrent validity. The findings of this study indicate that the MSAPT is a valid and reliable clinical instrument. Suggestions for future research are presented; they include applying the MSAPT to clinical populations, establishing the instrument's test-retest reliability, and continuing the development and refinement of the individual variables.
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