Evaluation of the usefulness of children’s drawings and story-lines in the assessment of psychological state

Abstract

Introduction Children are known to display their thoughts and emotions in drawings and storylines. This study attempts to evaluate their clinical usefulness.

Objectives To study the correlation between psychological states assessed through drawings and storylines and that assessed medically, in inpatients with psychological problems.

Method Drawings and storylines on selected themes produced by children were assessed by nurses on 6 clinical parameters, using guidelines provided to ensure consistency. This data was compared with the medical assessments on same parameters, which was used as the "gold standard".

Results Good correlation was found in identification of mood states and emotional distress. Correlation regarding cognitive development and self esteem was less satisfactory.

Conclusions Such methods are useful subsidiary tools to medical assessments but caution in interpretation is necessary in some parameters.  

Key words: children's drawings, anxiety, psychological evaluation

DOI = 10.4038/sljch.v36i1.39

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2007; 36: 6-9