Diagnosis or dilemma: Drawings of sexually abused children

Journal/Book: British Journal of Projective Psychology. 1992; 37: 22-33.

Abstract: Discusses the use of art therapy in the treatment and diagnosis of sexually abused children. Therapists working with sexually abused children have noted graphic indicators peculiar to their artwork. Anatomically correct male genitalia appear repeatedly in the work of sexually abused children. Nonetheless, a review of the research literature indicates that drawings alone cannot be used as evidence of sexual abuse. The development of more valid and contemporary projective instruments using children's drawings is essential. It is argued that old projective drawing tests (e.g., H-T-P: House-Tree-Person Projective Technique) are no longer valid instruments for assessing child sexual abuse, given the higher level of exposure of children to sexually explicit material in the decades since these tests were developed.

Note: use of drawing in treatment & diagnosis; sexually abused children

Keyword(s): Child abuse; sexual abuse; psychodiagnosis ; drawing ; projective techniques; psychotherapy ; children

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