Psychological Test: Drawing People And Trees
Psychological tests are often a mystery to many people, but understanding the purpose and how they work can reduce anxiety and increase confidence when facing them. One type of psychological test that is quite common is drawing a person and a tree. This test is often used to assess personality, emotional maturity, and cognitive abilities. In this article, we will discuss in detail about psychological tests drawing people and trees, including how to do them, what aspects are assessed, and some tips for facing them calmly and confidently.
What is a Psychological Test Drawing People and Trees?
Guys, have you ever taken a psychological test that asked you to draw a person and a tree? This test, also known as the Draw-a-Person Test (DAP) and the Draw-a-Tree Test, is a projective psychological test. Projective means that the test aims to reveal aspects of your personality and subconscious that might not be visible through direct questions. When you draw a person and a tree, you are unconsciously projecting your thoughts, feelings, and experiences onto the drawing. The psychologist will then analyze various aspects of the drawing, such as the size, shape, details, and placement of the image, to gain a deeper understanding of your psychological state. These drawings aren't just judged on artistic skill; they're about what the drawings say about you. Remember, there's no such thing as a 'right' or 'wrong' drawing, so just relax and be yourself!
Aspects Assessed in the Psychological Test Drawing People and Trees
Okay, so what exactly are the aspects that psychologists assess from your drawings of people and trees? Each element in your drawing can provide valuable information about your personality and psychological condition. Let's break it down:
1. Drawing a Person
When you draw a person, psychologists pay attention to the following details:
- Gender: The gender of the person you draw can reflect your self-perception or your relationship with that gender.
- Overall Appearance: The size, posture, and proportions of the figure can indicate your self-esteem, confidence, and body image.
- Facial Features: Eyes, nose, mouth, and ears can provide insight into how you communicate, perceive the world, and express emotions. For example, large eyes might indicate sensitivity, while a strong jawline might suggest assertiveness.
- Limbs and Hands: The arms, legs, and hands represent your ability to interact with the world and take action. Strong, well-defined limbs might indicate a proactive and assertive personality, while weak or hidden limbs could suggest insecurity or withdrawal.
- Clothing: The clothing you draw can reflect your social awareness and how you present yourself to others. Neat, well-drawn clothing might indicate conscientiousness, while messy or revealing clothing could suggest rebelliousness or impulsivity.
2. Drawing a Tree
The tree in your drawing also has significant meaning. Here are some of the aspects assessed:
- Size and Placement: The size of the tree relative to the paper and its placement can indicate your sense of self and how you relate to your environment. A large tree in the center of the paper might suggest confidence, while a small tree in a corner could indicate insecurity.
- Roots: The roots represent your connection to the past and your sense of security. Strong, well-defined roots might indicate a solid foundation and stability, while weak or missing roots could suggest instability or insecurity.
- Trunk: The trunk symbolizes your ego strength and ability to cope with challenges. A strong, straight trunk might indicate resilience and stability, while a thin or crooked trunk could suggest vulnerability or insecurity.
- Branches: The branches represent your interactions with the world and your ability to reach out to others. Upward-reaching branches might indicate optimism and ambition, while downward-pointing branches could suggest pessimism or withdrawal.
- Leaves, Flowers, and Fruits: These details can represent your creativity, productivity, and emotional expression. Leaves might symbolize growth and vitality, while flowers and fruits could indicate creativity and the ability to bear fruit.
Tips for Facing the Psychological Test Drawing People and Trees
Facing a psychological test can be nerve-wracking, but with the right preparation and mindset, you can get through it calmly and confidently. Here are some tips specifically for the Draw-a-Person and Draw-a-Tree Test:
1. Relax and Be Yourself
The most important thing is to relax and be yourself. Don't try to draw what you think the psychologist wants to see. Just let your creativity flow and draw what comes naturally. Remember, there's no right or wrong answer, so just express yourself honestly.
2. Pay Attention to Detail
While you don't need to be an artist, paying attention to detail can help you create a more complete and meaningful drawing. Think about the different elements of the person and the tree, and try to include as much detail as possible. This will give the psychologist more information to work with.
3. Be Consistent
Try to be consistent in your drawing style. If you start with a certain level of detail, try to maintain that level throughout the drawing. This will show that you are focused and attentive.
4. Don't Overthink It
It's easy to overthink the meaning of your drawings, but try to avoid doing this. Just focus on the task at hand and let your subconscious do the work. The more you overthink it, the more likely you are to become anxious and self-conscious.
5. Practice
If you're feeling particularly nervous, it can be helpful to practice drawing people and trees beforehand. This will help you become more familiar with the process and reduce your anxiety. Just remember to relax and be yourself when you take the actual test.
Example Questions and How to Approach Them
To give you a better idea of what to expect, let's look at some example questions and how to approach them:
- Question: Draw a person.
- Approach: Start by thinking about the gender of the person you want to draw. Then, focus on the overall appearance, facial features, limbs, and clothing. Pay attention to detail and be consistent in your drawing style.
- Question: Draw a tree.
- Approach: Think about the type of tree you want to draw. Then, focus on the roots, trunk, branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Pay attention to the size and placement of the tree on the paper.
- Question: Draw a person doing something.
- Approach: This question allows you to be more creative. Think about what the person is doing and try to convey that in your drawing. Pay attention to the person's posture, facial expression, and surroundings.
Interpretation of Drawing Results
The interpretation of drawing results is a complex process that requires the expertise of a trained psychologist. However, here are some general guidelines:
- Large Drawings: May indicate confidence, extroversion, or a need for attention.
- Small Drawings: May suggest insecurity, introversion, or feelings of inadequacy.
- Detailed Drawings: May indicate conscientiousness, attention to detail, or a need for control.
- Simple Drawings: May suggest impulsivity, lack of attention to detail, or a desire for simplicity.
- Distorted Drawings: May indicate emotional distress, psychological problems, or a distorted perception of reality.
Benefits of Psychological Tests Drawing People and Trees
Psychological tests drawing people and trees offer several benefits, including:
- Revealing Hidden Aspects of Personality: These tests can uncover aspects of your personality and subconscious that might not be visible through direct questions.
- Assessing Emotional Maturity: The drawings can provide insight into your emotional maturity and ability to cope with challenges.
- Identifying Psychological Problems: The drawings can help identify potential psychological problems, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma.
- Providing a Non-Threatening Way to Express Yourself: Drawing can be a less threatening way to express yourself than verbal communication, especially for those who have difficulty expressing their feelings.
Conclusion
Psychological tests drawing people and trees are valuable tools for assessing personality, emotional maturity, and cognitive abilities. By understanding the purpose and how these tests work, you can face them with confidence and gain valuable insights into yourself. Remember to relax, be yourself, and let your creativity flow. Good luck, guys!