Couple psychology test (or both people)

The psychology test of the couple (or both people) is a projective test. Its purpose is to detect the identity and type of link established between two figures. Likewise, through this test, factors can often be glimpsed, such as anxieties, underlying desires or fantasies, and even possible latent conflicts in a relationship; Whether as a couple, family, friendship, etc.

This is one of the most interesting projective instruments as well as complex when it comes to its evaluation.. We are not dealing with the classic drawing test, such as the tree test or the family test. On this occasion, we are faced with an exercise where the person evaluated must carry out two types of tasks. On the one hand, a drawing and, on the other, the creation of a story.

The data that we can obtain from this type of instrument can be very revealing; as long as, yes, the person collaborates. Sometimes, heThe patient’s age or even the presence of a mental disorder can make it difficult to perform this test optimally.

Nevertheless, Its application is usually limited in most cases to the area of ​​a couple’s relationship.hence generally, the information obtained is at least interesting. Let’s see more data below.

Couple psychology test (or both people): purpose, application and interpretation

The couple (or two-person) psychology test was a test created by Douglas Bernstein in 1964. For its design, it was based on the Manchover human figure test. This last instrument had the purpose of evaluating concepts such as self-esteem, self-view, personality factors, fears, desires, traumas, etc.

Now, if Bernstein published his proof of the couple or the two people, it was for a very specific reason. I wanted to have a projective instrument with which to evaluate the relational factor. In this way, you could evaluate how an individual sees and experiences his or her connection with other significant people in his or her life.

Therefore, conscious and unconscious aspects are valued, because in addition to drawing, This test demands that we create a story about those two figures that we capture on a sheet of paper..

Thus, we trace something that in many cases defines a good part of our lives: stories. Each person creates their reality based on a story to which oneself gives meaning, for better or worse. Sometimes it can be real and other times, it can be based on biased, false or even invented ideas as a result of some defense mechanism.

Let’s learn more aspects of the couple’s psychology test.

What does the couples psychology test evaluate?

This test evaluates dyadic relationships. When the test is applied, the person is asked to represent themselves and their relationship with someone important in their life.

An attempt is made to know aspects of personality and, in particular, the quality of that relationship.As we have pointed out, conscious and unconscious aspects can be seen. Real events may appear (such as communication problems, affection problems, etc.) but also covert desires (need for recognition, lack of attention…) It can be applied to children from 7 years old. However, its use is common to know the quality of the relationship between a couple.

How does it apply?

We will explain it in steps:

A sheet of paper and a pencil are provided. We ask that two people are drawn (without specifying who). Once the drawing is finished, we request that the figures be given a name and age. Next, we ask that A short story is written about those two people, expressing what they think and what they feel. Finally, they must title that story.

Interpretation of the couple’s test

The interpretation of this projective test is based on three aspects:

Description

Sex, age and bond with the person evaluated. Realistic image or one with a certain fantasy. What does the couple do? Does it speak, does it go hand in hand, is there distance between the figures?

Underlying aspects

Which figure represents the person evaluated? Does he/she carry out some type of role (passive figure, paternal, maternal, submissive, avoidant…) What does he/she project on the other person? Need for affection, fear, distance, desire? Is there rejection between the figures? Is there any type of contact or communication?

Graphic aspects

The size, the location of the figures and the characteristics of the layout are assessed (it is nervous, it has been done with pulse and calm…). Do they have a humanized appearance or are they caricatures? Is there any symbolic or striking aspect (deformed figure, evil appearance, etc.)?

Verbal aspects

It must be assessed what type of story has been told. What can we deduce from it? Is he a happy person, does he have any lack, need, fear, etc.? Differentiate between aspects that refer to real aspects and those that symbolize desires or aspirations. Coherence in the story. Context where the story is located. Assessment of the chosen title (Does it represent the story, what kind of message does it convey, why was that particular title chosen?)

In conclusion, If we now ask ourselves about the validity of this test, it should be noted that we are dealing with a projective test.. They are auxiliary instruments; By themselves they do not diagnose anything. They are used as complementary material to other tests and interviews with which to try to gather as much information as possible. However, it is undoubtedly an interesting test that a specialized person can take advantage of.

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