Family drawing test, an interesting projective technique

The family drawing test is one of the best-known childhood affectivity tests.. It evaluates the way in which the child or adolescent perceives the relationships in their immediate environment. It is a simple way to appreciate the quality of bonds, communication and the way in which children construct their reality based on their family relationships.

This evaluation test is now more than six decades old. Created by psychiatrist Miles Porot in 1951, it is one of the most common instruments for evaluating personality in children from 5 to 16 years old. Thus, and although there are currently some professionals who continue to distrust the reliability of projective techniques, such as the tree test or the family drawing test, It should be said that its validity is widely demonstrated.

However, This test is used together with other more standardized resources, tests and interviews that together can offer us enough information to offer more accurate diagnoses. We are undoubtedly facing a very interesting clinical proposal. A resource that has been improved year after year and that presents us with a mechanism that is as simple as it is fast to better understand the feelings, family relationships and level of emotional maturation of children.

What is the objective of the family drawing test?

As we can already guess, the drawing is and will continue to be that symbolic scenario where the child reflects a good amount of information. Drawings and games are two ideal resources for children’s psychodiagnosis. Thus, The family drawing test is established as an ideal resource for any child psychologist or therapist. The objectives that you will achieve with this instrument are the following:

Know the adaptation difficulties of the child or adolescent in their family environment. Strengthen the quality of emotional ties.Know how they see and feel about family relationships.Identify possible conflicts with some family members. Assess the emotional and psychological maturation of the child or adolescent. Assess the family communication style.Discover what worries you in your family environment.

On the other hand, it is worth remembering that the most important thing about this test is the emotional aspect. With it, the aim is not only to obtain a drawing. The professional should promote a comfortable and fluid dialogue with the child while he or she draws. Stroke by stroke, line by line, the little one must open his feelings, emotions and concerns while immersing himself in his own drawing.

How is the family drawing test administered?

The family drawing test is applied in the following way:

The child is offered a sheet of paper and colored pencils. The environment must be comfortable and provide the child with adequate closeness and trust.Next, the child or adolescent is asked to draw their family.The child will be warned that we are not going to give him a grade. The idea is to draw relaxed, even enjoyable. Later, and as the child shapes the characters, the professional can begin to ask questions. Thus, One way to obtain more information in the test is by entering the following questions: Who is this? What does he do? Do you get along well with him/her? Who is happier? Who is less happy?…

On the other hand, it is important for the psychologist to note the order in which the child creates the different elements of the drawing. The presence of erasures, erasures, doubts when drawing, setbacks, etc. will also be indicated.

How is the test evaluated?

The family drawing test was initially created under a psychoanalytic approach. Therefore, for a few years the analysis carried out was through an Oedipal dynamic or from the stages of psychosexual development established by Freud. Good, Nowadays the interpretation is more standardized. Statistical batteries are used but the personal situation of each child or adolescent is also assessed.

Let’s see below some guidelines for the evaluation of the family drawing test.

Size and place. Large drawings denote security. On the other hand, the small figures captured in a corner of the page demonstrate fears and insecurities.Curves and straight lines. Drawings with angles and curves demonstrate dynamism and maturity. On the other hand, those where only lines, few forms and/or very stereotyped and poor figures appear often show immaturity or inhibition.Order and distance. One aspect that must be assessed is the order in which each of the figures have been drawn. Thus, it is usually more common, for example, to start with the drawing of the mother, or in her case, with that person with the greatest emotional bond. On the other hand, another detail to value is the distance that the child establishes between some characters and others.Omission of certain figures. A common fact is that there are children who omit drawing themselves in that family unit. It is a fact to evaluate and take into account. Likewise, the omission of one of the parents or siblings may be a reflection of their rejection.

In conclusion. Let us remember that The family drawing test is not used as the only resource to offer a diagnosis. Added to interviews and other standardized tests, it will offer us enough information to be more truthful and specific in the evaluation.

This instrument, like any other projective test, constitutes a direct door to that emotional world where drawing is always our best channel. That scenario where we feel free to reflect fears, concerns or underlying problems.

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