The Machover Draw-A-Person Test (DAP Test) is a projective test developed by Karen Machover in 1949. It is a qualitative test that assesses personality and emotional functioning through the analysis of human figure drawings. The DAP Test is a widely used tool in clinical psychology and counseling, and it is also used in research on personality development and psychopathology.
The DAP Test is a relatively simple test to administer. The examiner simply asks the participant to draw two human figures, one of a male and one of a female. The examiner does not provide any other instructions or guidance. The participant is free to draw the figures in any way they choose.
Once the drawings are complete, the examiner analyzes them for a variety of features, including:
- Size and proportions: The size and proportions of the figures can provide clues about the participant’s self-image and self-esteem. For example, a small or poorly proportioned figure may suggest low self-esteem, while a large or grandiose figure may suggest narcissism.
- Body features: The presence or absence of certain body features can also provide clues about the participant’s personality and emotional functioning. For example, the absence of eyes may suggest a lack of awareness or insight, while the presence of excessive detail in the face may suggest obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
- Dress and clothing: The style and quality of the participant’s dress can provide clues about their social and emotional development. For example, a child who draws a figure wearing adult clothing may be struggling with issues of maturity or identity.
- Position and posture: The position and posture of the figures can provide clues about the participant’s mood and emotional state. For example, a figure that is drawn with its head down and its shoulders slumped may suggest depression, while a figure that is drawn with its arms outstretched and its legs spread wide may suggest aggression.
- Shading and erasures: The use of shading and erasures can provide clues about the participant’s anxiety and emotional conflict. For example, excessive shading may suggest anxiety or depression, while frequent erasures may suggest impulsiveness or poor impulse control.
The DAP Test is a valuable tool for assessing personality and emotional functioning. However, it is important to note that the DAP Test is not a diagnostic tool. The DAP Test should not be used to diagnose mental illness or other psychological disorders. The DAP Test should be used as one part of a comprehensive assessment that includes other clinical interviews, psychological tests, and medical evaluations.
Here are some additional information about the Machover Draw-A-Person Test:
- Interpretation of the DAP Test: The interpretation of the DAP Test is a complex process that requires specialized training and experience. The examiner must consider the overall quality of the drawings, as well as the specific features of each drawing. The examiner must also consider the participant’s age, gender, cultural background, and other factors.
- Limitations of the DAP Test: The DAP Test is a subjective test, and there is no single “correct” interpretation of the drawings. The examiner’s own biases and interpretations can influence the results of the test. The DAP Test is also susceptible to faking and malingering.
- Alternatives to the DAP Test: There are a number of alternative projective tests that can be used to assess personality and emotional functioning. These tests include the Rorschach Inkblot Test, the Thematic Apperception Test, and the Sentence Completion Test.
The Machover Draw-A-Person Test is a valuable tool for assessing personality and emotional functioning. However, it is important to note that the DAP Test is not a diagnostic tool. The DAP Test should not be used to diagnose mental illness or other psychological disorders. The DAP Test should be used as one part of a comprehensive assessment that includes other clinical interviews, psychological tests, and medical evaluations.