The aim of this study is to provide support or supplement Bettelheim's interpretation of fairy tales, following children's responses to the Fairy Tale test (FIT). The conception of the FTT rests on the association between fairy tales and unconscious processes. The test presents figures drawn mainly from the Stories of Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White and the Dwarfs, as well as figures of Giants. The children are asked to respond to questions regarding the presented fairy tale characters thus expressing their own thoughts and feelings through the mechanisms of projection and identification.
Findings that support Bettelheim's theory are those referring to Oedipus conflicts and narcissistic feelings reflected in response to the LRRH and Witch figures.
Findings that may be considered novel are those referring to the function of the
wolf as superego, the separation anxiety reflected in LRRH's story, sibling rivalry
reflected in the relationship between the dwarfs and Snow White as well as in the
relationship between the Witch and Snow White. Moreover, responses of non-western children to the witch figure, revealed characteristics that reflected cultural elements that differ substantially from the European ones.