Personality Projection in the Drawing of the Human Figure: A Method of Personality Investigation
Personality Projection in the Drawing of the Human Figure: A Method of Personality Investigation
Synopsis
By Karen Machover, Department of Hospitals, New York, New York. This original technique for human figure drawing analysis combines the psychology of expressive movement with a fresh approach to functional and symbolic significance. Whether the body organs stressed are related functionally to social, physical, intellectual or sexual aspects indicates the subject's mental health, adjustment level, conflicts, stability and sexual maturity. Of equal importance is the distribution and patterning of psychic energy as reflected in line, placement, size, shading, erasures, and reinforcements and the degree of symmetry and props involved. Illustrative case studies demonstrate the manner of integrating the data to form a coherent picture of the personality.