Problems of Forensic Sciences 2013 Vol. 93 (XCIII) 438-449
HUMAN FIGURE DRAWINGS IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF CHILD SEXUAL OFFENDERS. POTENTIAL AND LIMITATIONS OF METHOD IN PSYCHOLOGICAL FORENSIC EVALUATION
Monika ZIELONA-JENEK
The Institute of Psychology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
Streszczenie
Human figure drawing is a psychological tool with a long tradition and a wide range of applications. As a diagnostic tool, though, it raises controversies related to its real potential and psychometric properties. This article first provides a summary of the literature on the limitations of the draw-a-man technique before presenting the results of research suggesting that the technique has potential with regard to investigations of the cognitive distortions of child sexual offenders. The article closes with some conclusions on the current use of drawings in psychological diagnosis for courts.
Słowa kluczowe
Human figure drawing; Cognitive distortions; Child sexual abuse; Psychological diagnosis; Forensic evaluation.