The use of projective techniques in pediatric nursing research from 1984 to 1993.

The purpose of this study was to review and analyze the use of projective techniques in published nursing studies in which children were the subjects. A search of the pediatric nursing research literature revealed 27 studies that were published between 1984 and 1993 in which projective techniques were used to investigate children's responses. The research purposes, characteristics of subjects, projective techniques employed and their validity and reliability, data analysis strategies, and major findings of the studies reviewed are analyzed and summarized. Recommendations for the use of projective techniques in research and clinical practice with children are offered.