The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) was noticed to consist primarily of pictures portraying characters in low-keyed, gloomy situations lacking in vibrance and physical activity. An alternative thematic apperception test was constructed by selecting pictures from the Family of Man photo essay collection. Pictures were selected to provide more positively-toned, active scenes. Eight undergraduate students told stories to 30 TAT pictures and 30 pictures from the new test, referred to as the Southern Mississippi Thematic Apperception Test (SM-TAT). Quantitative scoring of the SM-TAT stories revealed that the new test provided a balance of positively and negatively-toned stories and a variety of action and energy levels for the main character. The TAT, on the other hand, elicited predominantly negatively-toned and low energy stories. The results suggested that the SM-TAT was a feasible alternative to the TAT. (Author/MH)