Humane figure drawing test – interpretive paradigms

Abstract

The human figure drawing test as a psychodiagnostic method has been used for almost 100 years. During this period it has gained its supporters and opponents. The human figure drawing test can be approached in several ways that have historically developed. The aim of this work is to present interpretative paradigms (complex evaluation systems), which have different theoretical backgrounds as well as ways of interpreting the results. Each of the approaches – performance based, projective, global, dynamic, and typological – is presented by the main representatives, by the basic ideas behind their origin, manners of evaluation, but also by critical evaluation based on research – pointing to perspectives and limits.