Human Figure Drawing Test

By:
Jerry Mitchell, Ed.D., Richard Trent, Ph.D., & Ronald McArthur, M.A. 1993
Western Psychological Services
Administration
 Setting and Administration Time
 Area should be quiet and free from distractions. Client should be comfortable
seated for drawing.
 Takes 5-20 minutes (although no time limit)
 Test Materials and Procedures
 HFDT Drawing Form
 Pencil no.2
 HFDT AutoScore Form
 Ball point pen
Procedure
 Before meeting the client, fill in the identifying information on the first page of the
Drawing Form. Fold the Drawing form so that the identifying information is inside, then
present one of the showing blank sides to the client. Ask him or her to draw a person.
When the client has completed the first drawing, ask him or her to turn the Drawing
Form over and to draw, on the remaining blank side of the form, a person of the
opposite sex from the person drawn first. Note the gender of the figure depicted in the
first drawing.
 If the client attempts to draw a stick figure or a partial figure, ask him or her to draw a
regular, whole person instead. If the client continues to draw only a stick figure or a
partial figure, he or she should be allowed to continue without further interference or
instruction.
 You should have a clear view of the page while the client is drawing so that you can note
the sequence in which the details of the figure are drawn and observe any unusual
events or deviations in the client’s mood or attitude during the drawing session. After
the session, record these observations and any unusual comments and or behaviors in
the space provided on the first page of the Drawing Form.

Scoring
 Copy the client’s identifying information from the Drawing Form to the identical spaces
provided at the top of the Profile Sheet of the AutoScore Form. Then turn the AutoScore
Form so that the Scoring sheet is showing. Using the criteria presented in the concluding
section of this chapter, “Scoring Criteria and Illustrated Examples,” mark the box beside
each of the 74 features that is present in the drawing. Use a hard-tipped pen and
enough pressure to transfer your marks through the AutoScore Form’s carbon paper.
Use the rulers provided along the edges of the Scoring Sheet to evaluate features that
require measurement.
 Note: score only the same sex drawing (in which the figure is the same gender as the
client); the opposite-sex drawing is not scored, but is used for comparison on gender-
related items and for qualitative information.
 Count all the marked boxes on the Score Summary Sheet, and enter that number in the
space labeled “Impairment Raw Score.” To determine the Distortion Raw Score, count
all the marked boxes that are labeled “D” and enter the number in the space labeled
“Distortion Raw Score.” Next, count all the marked boxes that are labeled “S,” and enter
that number in the space labeled “Simplification Raw Score,” Subtract the Simplification
raw score from the Distortion raw score to determine the Organic Factors index, and
enter the result in the appropriate space. These scores can now be transferred to the
Profile Sheet and plotted on the profile graph. The intersection of the Distortion and
Simplification raw scores should be plotted on the separate graph on the right side of
the Profile Sheet.
Interpretation
 Quantitative Evaluation
 Impairment Scale
score of < 55 normal overall level of cognitive functioning.
56 – 70 moderate to severe cognitive impairment.
> 70 severe cognitive impairment
 Distortion Scale & Simplification Scale
scales are like the impairment scales; however, d&s are most useful in cases
where an individual’s IS falls on the border between criterion groups, or where
the IS contradicts other information about a case.
 Organic Factors Scale
 Difference between the Distortion & Simplification raw scores.
 4 or above and Impairment scale score is high, an organic condition is likely.
  Impairment scale is low and Organic factor index is 4 or above, the possibility
of an organic condition should at least be considered
 If the Organic factor index is is -4 or below, retardation is very likely to be a
component of the clinical picture.
 Organic factors index values between -4 and +4 are neutral as opposed to
negative findings.
 Qualitative Evaluation
 Item Interpretation
 General Observations
 Client’s Behavior and general attitude
 Notable deviations
Item Interpretation
Size
1. Small Size- Anxiety and depressive tendencies have been associated with small drawings.
Other personality characteristics associated with small drawings have included withdrawal
tendencies: feelings of inferiority, smallness, and inadequacy; paranoia; regression; vegetative
states; low energy levels and “shrunken ego” states.
Children and Adolescents: this is an indicator of emotional distress. Small drawings by
children and adolescents have been associated with anxiety and/or depression.
2. Large Size- Large drawings have been associated with positive mood, ascendancy, and high
self-esteem. “fantasy self-esteem”, grandiosity, euphoria, and other manic features have also
been associated with large drawings. Large drawings may also indicate aggression.
Children and Adolescents: Large drawings, like small drawings, have been considered
emotional indicators. They have been characterized as indicators of non-specific emotional
difficulties.
3. Larger Dominant Female- when drawn by males, larger, dominant female figures have been
associated with the problematic relationship with the mother and with passivity, inadequacy,
submissiveness, and related psychosexual disturbances. Larger, dominant female figures have
also been found in the drawings of male alcoholics and drug abusers. Problematic maternal
relationships and strong masculine strivings have been associated with larger, dominant female
figures drawn by female subjects.
Children and Adolescents: Larger, dominant female drawings by children and adolescents
have been associated with anxiety states and obsessive behavior.
4. Larger, Dominant Male- Interpretative assumptions about larger, dominant male figures
drawn by male subjects have included possible depression, self-inflation, and belittling attitudes
towards females. When drawn by female subjects, larger dominant male figures have been
interpreted as self-depreciating.
Children and Adolescents: When drawn by children or adolescents, larger, dominant
male drawings, like larger dominant female drawings, have been associated with anxiety states
and obsessive behavior.
Placement
5. Top Placement- Top placement is associated with optimism. Other interpretations have
included a sense of being up in the air with no sound foundation; striving for unattainable goals;
seeking satisfaction in fantasy; aloofness; inaccessibility; and high aspirations, with a low energy
level and difficulty attaining goals.
6. Bottom Placement- Bottom placement has been associated with depression, insecurity,
inadequacy, and concrete thinking. Some clinicians have reported that bottom placement may
also reflect a calm a stable personality.
7. Left Placement- Left placement is related to uncertainty, apprehensiveness and self-
orientation. An emotional focus and general concern with past events is suggested.
8. Right Placement- Right placement indicates orientation to the environment, as opposed to
self-orientation to the environment, as opposed to self-orientation. Right placement has also
been associated with orientation toward or concern with future events, and it can be an
indication of intellectualization and self-control as well as stability.
Spontaneity
9. Arms Folded- Arms are related to social adaptation. Folded arms have been thought to reflect
suspiciousness, hostility, rejection of the world, and rigid impulse controls.
10. Arms Pressed to Body: Arms pressed to the body have been consistently associated with
impairment of spontaneity, and with rigidity and inhibition.
Children and Adolescents: In drawings by children or adolescents that show the figure’s
arms pressed to the body, this characteristic has been associated with conflict between the self
and the environment.
11. Legs Pressed Together- Figures drawn with the legs pressed together have been associated
with sexual inhibition or sexual disturbance.
Children and Adolescents: This characteristic has been associated with personal and
social disturbance when found in the drawings of children and adolescents.
12. Hands Behind Back- Evasiveness has been associated with the placement of the figure’s
hands behind it’s back. However, artistic sophistication has also been suggested as an
alternative interpretation in some cases.
Proportion
13. Gross Disproportion: Gross Disproportion has been considered a sign of severe disturbance
related to very poor reality contact or an organic condition, such as that produced by
alcoholism, psychosis, or mental retardation.
Children and Adolescents: Although seen as normal in the drawings of children under
the age of seven, gross disproportion in drawings by older children and adolescents is
considered an indicator of possible social-emotional difficulties and/or academic difficulties.
Gross disproportion has also been seen as reflecting general maladjustment and stress.
14. Extreme Asymmetry: Severe anxiety and histrionic childishness have been reported as
relating to extreme asymmetry. Extreme asymmetry may also reflect a sense of body
awkwardness, incoordination, general physical inadequacy, confusion of lateral dominance or
impulse disturbance.
15. Thin, Wasted, or Ribbonlike Arms- In drawings of figures with thin, wasted, or ribbonlike
arms, this feature is attributed to feelings of futility and a lack of achievement. A frequent
interpretation of arms depicted this way is that they suggest physical or psychological
vulnerability or organic conditions. The possibility of an organic condition or of deterioration
related to alcoholism should also be seriously considered in cases where this drawing feature is
present.
16. Thin, Wasted or Ribbonlike Legs- Thin, wasted, or ribbonlike legs are often found in the
same drawings in which thin, wasted, or ribbonlike arms are drawn, and the same
recommendation is made- rule out organic conditions. Legs drawn this way might be
interpreted as an expression of decline or deficit, of involutional, senile, or organic condition, or
of deterioration related to alcoholism.
Aesthetic Appearance
17. Stick Figure- The least extreme interpretations of stick figure drawings have included
possible agitated depression, evasiveness, rigidity, psychopathy, and insecurity. However, stick
figures are often drawn by subjects with organic condition or mental retardation. Individuals
who draw stick figures are frequently found to be experiencing severe cognitive impairment.
18. Blank Outline (Void of Features)- Outlined figures with no facial features have been
associated with shallow emotionality, lack of insight, poor reasoning ability, psychosis, organic
conditions, and mental retardation. Blank figures are commonly drawn by subjects with major
depression, manic-phase psychosis, paranoid schizophrenia, organic mental disorders and
mental retardation. They also often drawn by subjects with the diagnosis of chronic
undifferentiated schizophrenia.
Children and Adolescents: When drawn by children or adolescent, featureless outlines of
human figures have been associated with poor social adjustment, anxiety, and obsessive
behavior.
19. Primitive Appearance- Major disorders have been associated with primitive drawings. In
particular, hysterical conditions, regression, psychosis, mental retardation, and organicity are
thought to be suggested by such drawing. These drawing feature may also be interpreted as an
indicator of regression or of severe cognitive impairment.
20. Bizarre Drawing- Other than those observed in a college in a college population, bizarre
drawings have been associated with psychosis or alienation. Bizarre drawings are very rarely
drawn by noncollege, nonclinical, adult individuals.
Children and Adolescents: Bizarre drawings by children or adolescents have been
associated with immaturity, emotional disturbance, feelings of depersonalization and acting-
out behavior.
21. Bizarre Hair- There are no specific references to bizarre hair in the literature, although it is
assumed that the same references cited for bizarre drawings would apply. Bizarre hair was not
often drawn by those subjects in the HFDT standardization sample who had diagnoses of
schizophrenia, but also occasionally by patient with other diagnoses.
22. Disheveled Hair- Disheveled hair has been associated with sexual concerns, sexual
impulsivity, and thought disorder.
23. Teeth Showing- Most often, teeth have been considered a sign of oral or general
aggressiveness. In addition, sarcasm, superciliousness, and compensation for weakness have
been inferred from the presence of this drawing feature. Although the drawing of teeth is
usually very rare, it has been found in the drawings of subjects with a variety of diagnoses.
Children and Adolescents: Although very common in the drawings of adolescent boys,
teeth have generally been considered a sign of emotional conflict in the drawings of children
and adolescents.
24. Spiked Fingers- Like teeth, spiked fingers have been associated with aggressiveness, but
without the assumption of oral involvement.
25. Petal-like Fingers- Poor manual skills, infantility and organic conditions have been
associated with petal-like fingers. Such fingers are found in the drawings of subjects across the
spectrum of diagnostic groups, and are often drawn by lower- functioning individuals.
26. Internal Organs Shown- Associated with somatic delusions and concern with somatic
delusions and concern with internal pathology, the drawing of internal organ is very rare and
typically indicates extreme pathology. Individuals with medical conditions may draw figures
with internal organs shown.
27. Disconnected Body Parts- Disconnected parts have been seen as an indicator of mental
deficiency and/or organicity.
28. Geometric Shapes for Body Parts- The traditional interpretation of drawings in which body
parts are depicted by geometric shapes is that this drawing feature indicates organic or severe
psychotic conditions. In the HFDT standardization sample, geometric shapes were drawn by
patients with a variety of psychiatric disorders, but primarily by patient with mental
retardation.
29. Confused Profile/ Full Face- Confused profile/ full face drawings were found infrequently in
the HFDT standardization sample. Other researchers have observed such confusion of facial
features in drawings by individuals with organic or psychotic conditions.
30. Unequal Arms (Size or Length)- Unequal arms are found frequently in the drawings of
severely impaired subjects, suggesting that unequal arms may be associated with the problems
of spatial orientation commonly experienced by individuals with organic conditions or cognitive
disorganization. Their presence in a drawing has been attributed to confusion of lateral
dominance and has been associated with organicity.
Children and Adolescents: When seen in the drawings of children and adolescents,
unequal arms have been interpreted as indicators of emotional distress.
Line Quality
31. Light Lines- Light lines have been attributed to generalized anxiety and/or depression
related to feelings of inadequacy, insecurity, timidity and poor self-concept.
32. Heavy Lines- Generally, heavy lines have been associated with an excited, apprehensive, or
tense emotional state with high energy output. They may also indicate mood volatility.
33. Reinforced Lines- Reinforced lines suggest defense mechanisms as protection from
depersonalization, conflict, and withdrawal-related fears. They also suggest feelings of extreme
vulnerability.
34. Tremulous Lines- Strongly suggestive of an organic-related condition often associated with
neuromuscular degeneration, tremulous lines have been found in the drawings of alcoholic
subjects with organic conditions. Schizoid individuals also sometimes produce drawings with
tremulous lines.
35. Sketched- Sketched figures were scored most frequently for higher functioning and
nonclinical subjects in the HFDT standardization sample. Sketching has been associated with
anxiety, uncertainty, timidity, meticulousness, and an inability to be definite. (Note: Item 35-A is
scored for sketched figures. When item 35-B is scored only for the purpose of calculating the
client’s Distortion raw score)
Gender-Related Features
36. Opposite Sex Drawn First- Drawing the opposite sex first has been associated with either a
very strong emotional attachment to a member of the opposite gender, a sexual identity
problem in males, or aggressiveness in females. It occurs in drawings by individuals in all
diagnostic categories.
Children and Adolescents: Both children and adolescents frequently draw the opposite
sex first. This has been interpreted as a sign of the significance of the opposite-sex parent or of
another opposite-sex person important to the subject.
37. Genderless- Although genderless drawings are typical in the developmentally delayed, they
are suggestive of a condition of cognitive and emotional regression and may denote sexual
conflict and/or denial of sexual issues. Genderless figures are extremely rare in the drawings of
normal.
38. Effeminate Male Drawn by Male- Culturally, effeminate male figures drawn by males may
be an indicator of sexual maladjustment or effeminate personality characteristics. This drawing
is typical for male college students.
39. Masculine Female Drawn by Female- The drawing of masculine female figures is typical for
female college students. Such drawings are attributed to identification with a strong male figure
or to limited heterosexual contacts.
Age
40. Childlike- Childlike figures drawn by adults have been associated with hysterical qualities,
regressed states, repression, fixed emotional states and dependency. Such figures have also
been found in the drawings of female college students.
41. Developmentally Indistinguishable- developmentally indistinguishable figures suggest
withdrawal and regressed states and/or mental retardation.
Waist
42. Waist Not Indicated- The waist has been viewed as a division point between physical
strength and nurturance versus sexual prowess and reproduction. In the HFDT standardization
sample, the figures lacking an indication of the waits were primitive and drawn by regressed or
severely dysfunctional subjects.
43. Elaborate Belt or other Waist Emphasis- Waist emphasis has been viewed as the conversion
of covert tension to aesthetic interests or self-display, the separation of intellect from sexuality
and the expression of conflict in sexual drives.
 Children and Adolescents: Although an elaborate belt or other waist emphasis has been
related to identity issues, it is generally considered normal in the drawings of children and
adolescents.
Clothing
44. Partially Clothed- Noted commonly in the drawings of art students in weight-lifting classes,
figures that are partially clothed betray body narcissism and self-absorbed fantasy as opposed
as opposed to social interaction.
45. Naked Without Genitalia- Naked figures without genitalia suggest graphomotor difficulties
or inattention to detail that be may associated with denial, sexual conflict and/or
developmental delay or regression.
46. Genitalia Shown or Strongly Indicated- Although drawings in which genitalia are shown or
indicated have been associated with sexual overconcern or maladjustment, genitalia have also
been noted in the drawings of art students, person in analysis, pregnant women and women
who had recently given birth, undergraduate college students (especially males), and patients
suffering from dermatological problems.
Children and Adolescents: Genitalia are rarely seen in the drawings of children or
adolescents. When present, this drawing feature has been associated with emotional
disturbance and with the tendency for overt aggression or serious psychopathology.
Eyes, Ears and Nose
47. Pupils Omitted- The omission of pupils has usually been associated with immaturity,
egocentricity, regression, reluctance to accept visual stimuli and guilt for voyeuristic tendencies.
48. Large Ears- Large ears have been associated with deafness, with possible hallucinations and
with possible reaction to criticism- from mild to paranoid reactions.
49. Nostrils Showing- Drawings in which nostrils are shown have been associated with
aggressive tendencies or excessive control of those tendencies. Asthmatic conditions have also
been associated with the depiction of nostrils.
Children and Adolescents: Nostrils are often seen in the drawings of children and
adolescents and have been considered normal for those age groups.
Feet
50. Long Feet- Long feet have been associated with sexual aberrations, concern over male
virility, security needs and strivings for independence.
51. Pointed Feet- Pointed feet have been considered to represent an instrument for attack.
They have been interpreted as a sign of repressed hostility.
52. Boots on Feet- The need for autonomy and concern over sexual virility have both been
associated with boots drawn on figures.
53. Bare Feet on Clothed Figure- Traditionally, bare feet drawn on a clothed figure have been
associated with aggressive tendencies.
54. Chicken Feet- Chicken-like feet are often found in the very primitive drawings of subjects
who are typically severely cognitively impaired. Such feet were initially seen primarily in the
drawings of organically impaired alcohol abusers, but they have been found more frequently in
the drawings of mentally retarded subjects.
Omissions
55. Head Omitted- in general, omissions are common in the drawings of subjects with organic
conditions. In the HFDT standardization sample, only 2 out of 800 subjects drew figures with
heads omitted. Both of these subjects were severely impaired; paranoid schizophrenia and
organic mental disorder were the diagnostic categories represented.
56. Hair Omitted- Omissions often indicate an organic condition and the omission of hair has
also ben associated with feelings of sexual inadequacy.
57. Eyes Omitted- General ineffectiveness, voyeurism and visual hallucinations have been
associated with the omission of eyes in human figure drawings. Figures with eyes omitted are
usually drawn by subjects with schizophrenic disorders, organic conditions, and/or mental
retardation.
58. Nose Omitted Because the nose has been considered a phallic symbol, sexual implications
are assumed when the nose is omitted, although this may also be associated with organicity.
The omission of the nose has been found in the drawings of regressed, organic and mentally
retarded subjects.
59. Mouth Omitted- In addition to suspicion of organicity, omission of the mouth has been
associated with asthmatic conditions, sadistic tendencies, and guilt relating to oral aggression.
Feelings of rejection, needs for affection, dependency concerns, rejection of orality, guilt
feelings and depression have also been related to the omission of the mouth.
60. Neck Omitted- The neck is considered to represent a barrier to the free flow of impulses
between the head and the body. By this theory, the omission of the neck would subject the
intellect to excessive influences by the body drives, leaving the subject with insufficient impulse
controls. The omission of the neck is associated regression and mental deficiency. As with other
omissions, the omission of the neck may suggest organic conditions and possible mental
retardation; it may also suggest regression.
Children and Adolescents: The omission of the neck in the drawings of children has been
seen as an indicator of emotional distress or poor social adjustment. In the drawings of
adolescents, the omitted neck has been associated with impulsivity and organic conditions.
61. Shoulders Omitted- Inferiority feelings and organicity have been associated with the
omission of shoulders.
62. Trunk Omitted- Involutional and sclerotic patients have been observed to omit trunks in
their drawings of the human figure. Other interpretations of the omission of the trunk include
regression, poor body image, mental retardation, rejection of physical impulses, denial of body
drives and organic conditions.
Children and Adolescents: in the drawings of children or adolescents, this omission has
been seen as reflecting difficulties in personal-social adjustment and/or academic achievement.
63. Arms Omitted- The omission of arms has been associated with severe guilt feelings, active
withdrawal from other people, refusal to deal with the outside world, depression, feelings of
rejection, inadequacy feelings, possible suicidal thoughts, regression, psychosis and mental
retardation. The omission of arms has also been associated with organic conditions.
64. Hands Omitted- Hands are the most commonly omitted feature, because it is common for
subjects to find hands hard to draw. Still, the omission of hands has been associated with lack
of confidence and with feelings of inadequacy.
Children and Adolescents: The omission of hands in the drawings of children and
adolescents has been seen as an emotional adjustment indicator.
65. Fingers Omitted- Feelings of interpersonal inadequacy have been associated with the
omission of fingers. According to research data used in developing the HFDT, the frequency of
omission of the fingers appears to increase along with increasing pathology and intellectual
dysfunction.
66. Legs Omitted- Legs have been invested in both sexual significance and psychological
mobility. Omitted legs have been associated with depression, withdrawal, dependency and
constricted mobility. Organic conditions and cognitive dysfunction may also be related to the
omission of legs. Mentally retarded subjects had the highest frequency of omission of legs in
the HFDT standardization sample.
Children and Adolescents: The omission of legs has been considered a sign of emotional
disturbance in the drawings of children and adolescents.
67. Feet Omitted- The omission of feet has been associated with sexual disturbance,
depression, withdrawal, lack of mobility, and crippling lack of autonomy. Feet omission has also
been associated with organicity. The highest frequency of omission of feet in the HFDT
standardization sample was found among the mentally retarded subjects.
Additional Features
68. Shading (Other than Hair)- Shading has most frequently been seen as a sign of anxiety.
When used to create a three-dimensional quality, however, shading has been seen as a sign of
intelligence.
Children and Adolescents: Although shading is often seen in the drawings of children,
where it is considered normal, shading has been considered indicative of generalized
disturbance in adolescents.
69. Stereotyped (Clown, Cowboy, Hippie, etc.)- Stereotypes are interpreted as fantasy
projections of the self, with the self-projection being either self-aggrandizing or self-
depreciating. In the HFDT standardization sample, no stereotyped figures were found in
subjects classified as normal, organic, or mentally retarded, suggesting that such figures are
neither completely normal nor severely pathological.
Children and Adolescents: Stereotypical drawings have been found too frequently in the
drawings of normal children and adolescents to be considered other than normal.
70. Profile Figure- Although sometimes seen as indicating evasiveness, paranoia, or withdrawal
and oppositional tendencies, profile figures have also been associated with maturity,
sophistication and intelligence.
71. Profile Head on Front Figure- Frustration, social uneasiness, possible guilt in social relations
and dishonesty have been suggested interpretative hypotheses for figures with profile heads on
front view figures.
72. Clenched Fist- Clenched fists are interpreted as expressions of belligerence, rebelliousness
and hostility.
73. Addition of Extraneous Objects- In general, the addition of extraneous objects has been
considered as a sign of obsessive or narcissistic tendencies and may also be associated with
expansiveness or manic tendencies. Various objects have been invested with unique meanings.
Pipes have suggested possible virility strivings or sexual preoccupations, Hats, when drawn to
cover the eyes, have been associated with reluctance or ambivalence in interpersonal
relationships. When drawn by female subject, hats, have been considered as a sign that the
subject is venturesome. Subjects drawing weapons have been considered hostile or probably
psychopathic. The drawing of weapons has also been associated with psychosexual
preoccupations.
74. Transparencies- Transparencies are traditionally interpreted as a lapse in judgment related
to the part or position of the drawing, and they may also be related to voyeuristic tendencies or
signify generally poor reality contact. In the HFDT standardization sample, transparencies
were found in the drawings of subjects ranging from normal to mentally retarded, with the
highest frequency in the drawings of subjects diagnosed as schizophrenic, organic and mentally
retarded.
 Children and Adolescents: General anxiety and emotional disturbance have been
associated with transparencies in the drawings of children and adolescents.

Development & Psychometric Properties

 Validity
 Overall Impairment Score is .83
 Distortion Scale .77
 Simplification .83
 Standardization
 700 individuals assessed by psychology Service at Rusk State Psychiatric Hospital
in Rusk, Texas from 1982-1990 and 100 hospital staff members.
 Interrater Reliability
 Assessed by two different studies.
 Cohen’s Kappa .77 & .42

Reference:
McArthur, Ronald, M.A., Mitchell, Jerry Ed.D., Trent, Richard Ph.D. 1993. Human Figure
Drawing Test. Western Psychological Services, U.S.A.

Reporter: Alyssa Ruth M. Obispo

MA Psychology Maj Clinical Psychology
Projective Techniques
Dr. Pricila B. Marzan