Helen E. Peixotto

Is the Representation of the Objective Body-Image in Figure Drawings Related to the Personality Characteristics of the Drawer?

This investigation attempted to determine whether drawings that can be matched with the drawers photographs are made by Ss with certain personality characteristics. Characteristics studied were: (a) emotional adjustment, (b) self-acceptance, (c) field-independence, (d) positive body cathexis. A study of 81 drawers gave a low but significant correlation between matchability of drawings and emotional maladjustment as indicated by number of high T scores on the MMPI. The findings are in a direction opposite to that expected and suggest caution in making personality interpretations regarding the representation of ones own physical features in drawings.