Child Abuse: The Human Figure Drawing Test in Evaluating  Minors

Andrea Lisi; Stallone Valentina; Tomasino Maria Giovanna; Affatati Valeria; Ignazio Grattagliano

doi:10.6000/1929-4409.2013.02.11

Authors

Andrea Lisi Department of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari, Italy
Stallone Valentina Department of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari, Italy
Tomasino Maria Giovanna Department of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari, Italy
Affatati Valeria Department of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari, Italy
Ignazio Grattagliano Department of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4409.2013.02.11

Keywords:

Human Figure Drawing Test (HFDT), abuse investigation, child abuse, graphic abuse indicator

Abstract

The Human Figure Drawing Test (HFDT) is widely used in clinical and forensic settings. The inappropriate use of this instrument is widespread. This article highlights the expressive and communicative value of children’s drawings in child abuse investigations. The drawings of 3 groups of children (11 certified as abused; 11 suspected of being abused, and 11 certified as non-abused) were examined in order to determine the appropriateness of their use in suspected cases of child abuse. The results of our study appear to be divergent. As of the writing of this article, there is no methodologically correct way in which to utilize this instrument that would reveal specific “graphic indicators of abuse” using the drawings of abused, or presumably abused children.

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