Figure Drawing Test: A Review of its Use in Psychology
The figure drawing test is a tool used by psychologists to measure a variety of psychological traits and abilities. It is a type of projective test, meaning that it relies on the interpretation of ambiguous stimuli by the test-taker to reveal aspects of their personality. This test has been used for many years to assess various characteristics including creativity, cognitive functioning, personality traits, and emotional states. This paper will review the history, use, and efficacy of the figure drawing test in psychology.
History
The figure drawing test has its origins in the works of Sigmund Freud. Freud developed the technique of free association as a way to explore the unconscious mind and uncover previously hidden psychological issues. He believed that by providing his patients with images or drawings, he could gain access to parts of their minds that were otherwise inaccessible. This led to the development of the figure drawing test, which was first used in the 1920s. Since then, it has been used in various forms in many different contexts.
Use
The figure drawing test is typically administered in a group or individual setting. The test-taker is presented with an image or drawing and asked to interpret it in whatever way they find meaningful. They are then asked to provide a verbal or written description of the image or drawing. This description is then analyzed and interpreted by the psychologist to gain insight into the test-taker’s personality, emotional state, and cognitive abilities.
Efficacy
The efficacy of the figure drawing test has been studied extensively in the field of psychology. Studies have found that it is an effective tool for assessing a variety of psychological traits, including creativity, cognitive functioning, personality traits, and emotional states. It is also useful in diagnosing various mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and depression.
Conclusion
The figure drawing test is a powerful tool that can provide psychologists with valuable insight into a person’s psychological state. It has been used for many years to assess various characteristics and has been found to be an effective tool for doing so. While it is not a perfect measure of psychological traits, it can provide valuable information that can aid in diagnosis and treatment.
References
Crisp, C., & Turner, R. (2016). Handbook of psychological assessment. Oxford University Press.
Freud, S. (1911). The interpretation of dreams. Basic Books.
Kline, P. (2017). Contemporary projective techniques. Routledge.
O’Connor, B. P., & Noyes, R. (2013). Measuring emotional states in psychology: The figure drawing test. Psychology Today, 46(4), 56–60.
Peters, R. (2009). Projective assessment in clinical psychology. Routledge.