Examination of psychic functioning of women who associated breast cancer through projective tests

The subject of this study is to psychologically evaluate six women who are associated with breast cancer. The object of the study is to examine the metalization of cases, how drives and affects are shown in projective tests. The theoretical framework of the study is determined by psychoanalytic psychosomatic theory. The projective methods are preferred. In this study, it is planned to study the psychosomatic features arising from mentalization problems, traumatic events and early period mother-child relationship which are thought to affect physical processes in the light of the psychosomatic theory proposed by Paris Psychosomatic School as a theoretical perspective on breast cancer disease. The participants were 6 adult women volunteers between the ages of 31 and 48. Semi-structured clinical interviews, Rorschach Test and Thematic Apperception Test are used respectively. The results are evaluated according to the French School. The results show that the women who are diagnosed with breast cancer have difficulty in processing drives and affects in their psyche. Although they used different defense mechanisms, they are found to be affectively depressive and traumatic events, are observed in life history.