The clinical utility of children's human figure drawings

Abstract

The thesis discusses the potential clinical utility of the Human Figure Drawing (HFD) test originated by E.M. Koppitz. Attention is given to the HFD test as a projective technique, a developmental test, and as a therapeutic tool. After presenting basic ethical requirements concerning assessment and intervention, the HFD test's theoretical precepts and development are examined. The thesis then compares the HFD test to other drawing tests through a brief overview of the history of drawing tests, and evaluates the research support for the test. Recent evaluations of the HFD test are then reviewed. The thesis also compares the HFD test to similar psychotherapeutic interventions. The thesis concludes with a discussion of the importance of empiricism for the test and recommendations for future research.