Psychology, what do the pictures mean? Drawing meaningless scribbles on paper, a person gives himself away completely

Dear visitors to the psychoanalytic office, you are invited to determine mental pathology based on a child’s drawing of a person whether the child has any mental problems.

Signs of possible mental pathology based on a person’s childhood drawing

Particularly acute conditions (psychotic) often manifest themselves in multiplicity, confusion and confusion of images in the drawing. Gross distortions of shape and proportions and displacement of individual parts of the image are common. Random chaotic lines and strokes appear.

Often, in the process of drawing, a child with some mental pathology continuously comments on his actions, talking about the character he portrays. The comments are usually confusing and contradictory.

As a rule, such children are brought for consultation with a psychologist in connection with gross behavioral disorders.

IN preschool age(especially up to five years) drawings with equally lengthy comments are quite possible in less acute mental states. However, even in preschoolers they indicate serious emotional problems. In preschool children, typical indicators of psychotic agitation ( mental pathology) are shading of the entire drawing, extreme pressure on the pencil (so that the paper tears) or the disappearance of the subject image.

Particularly gross distortions of shape human body and/or facial features that are not accompanied by the additional disturbances noted above (image confusion, chaotic lines, shading, etc.) are common in drawings of mentally ill people who are in a relatively calm state during the examination period.

Often, a person drawn by a child makes a repulsive impression, which is always an unfavorable sign. Sometimes various deformities appear in the drawings of children with disturbances in their own body schema, that is, who feel their body is not what it really is (a symptom that occurs when mental pathologies).

Particularly large ears are sometimes a sign of a suspicious attitude towards others (paranoia), a person’s confidence that people are talking badly about him behind his back (in some cases, large ears are also depicted by people suffering from hearing loss or auditory hallucinations).

Distortions in the shape of a person’s image are also typical in organic brain lesions. The general impression produced by the drawings of children with organic brain lesions can be formulated as “the correct form did not turn out.” At mental pathology it usually appears as if the person was purposefully drawing a distorted shape. Of course, such an assessment is very subjective, so in all cases of severe distortion of body shape and facial features, a detailed additional examination is recommended.

In some drawings, children deliberately draw various “forbidden” themes: female breasts, male and female genitalia, and sometimes the depicted character, for example, is peeing. This should primarily be interpreted as a manifestation of gross (probably pathological) antisocial tendencies.

In addition to gross distortion of forms, for mental pathologies based on children's drawings, the decay of form, its vagueness and uncertainty are also typical. On children's drawing a person's hands are depicted with strokes that are practically indistinguishable from the strokes depicting clothing. The legs are shapeless. These parts of the picture contrast sharply with the clearly drawn profile.

Such discrepancies are typical for a relatively long-standing pathology, when some of the mastered graphic templates have already fallen apart.

In mental pathologies, reduction often occurs significant parts images, for example, of heads. Some parts of the drawing are thickly blackened. The pressure is so strong that the paper is torn in some places. This indicates especially high level tension.

Combined with the noted almost complete absence of a crucial part of the image, this suggests that the child is in a state of psychotic agitation.

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From a drawing of a child or an adult, you can learn a lot about his emotional state, self-esteem, etc. (interestingly, through your own drawing, you can learn something about yourself). Through drawing there is a personal expression of inner experiences, something that is difficult to express in words. Even a drawing made involuntarily has its own content. By drawing something thoughtlessly on paper, we open the way for our subconscious. It seems to guide our hand.

Freud believed that automatic drawing, while the consciousness is occupied with something else, is a kind of “window” through which one can see a fragment of the subconscious. To understand what it conveys, we must know the character code. It is, of course, specific to each person. However, there are some general rules, thanks to which we can read the secrets of our interlocutors and our own.

According to the results of research by psychologist J. Goodman, 65% of people during a conversation draw flowers, people, circles, spirals or squares.

So, what do these unconscious symbols say about us?

When interpreting, attention is paid to the location of the drawing on the sheet.

• For example, a drawing located in the lower left corner suggests a focus on one’s own person, a desire to return to an earlier stage of life, which seems to be happier.
• At the bottom right, means lack of self-confidence.
• At the top of the sheet is about enthusiasm, high self-esteem.
• A downward shift in the pattern indicates fatigue, neuroses, and depression.
• The drawing in the center of the sheet is most likely the work of an extrovert, a person who needs space and attention from others.

Some symbols can also be interpreted as follows:

• A person who is open, joyful, and happy with his current situation creates clear, separate forms. Each element of the picture has its place.
• A string of repeating figures means that a person is puzzled by some problems from the past.
• Round shapes indicate benevolent feelings, positive attitude to everything that is happening.
• Angular figures are drawn by people who have own opinion who do not like subordination to others.
  Geometric figures are drawn by sensible faces who will think carefully before doing anything. However, spirals and circles that extend from the center to the edges signal hidden plans. And the image sharp corners symbolize aggression, hidden complexes and feelings of inferiority.
• Smiley faces and people indicate a person full of humor, who thinks positively and knows how to joke about themselves.
• Faces are drawn by people who are focused on themselves, but at the same time sensitive; they are easy to offend.
  Idealists often draw stars.
• Arrows can indicate sexual tension. However, upward ones can be a sign of ambition.
• You should also pay attention to the technique of drawing.
• Weak, thin lines indicate the same human performance. And vice versa - the greater the pressure, the more author drawing has energy.

Various drawings that we unconsciously draw on paper during telephone conversation or meetings, can often tell more about their owner than he knows about himself. At this moment, consciousness weakens control over behavior and the subconscious begins to control the pen, hiding the true motives of our behavior.

Human figures

If these are little people, then most likely you feel helpless or want to avoid any responsibilities. When you depict a person schematically (“a stick, a stick, a cucumber—here comes a little man”), your emotional state is unstable, you want to close yourself off and not let anyone near you.

Personal signatures

Such mechanical drawings are characteristic of a vain and self-centered nature. The abundance of one’s own signatures, mechanically written on a sheet of paper during a conversation or thinking about some problem, signals an excessive fixation on one’s own person.

Squares, diamonds and other geometric shapes

You have clear goals and beliefs, you almost never hide your opinions, and you are always persistent and persistent. You are usually overly vigilant and cautious, so try to keep things simple.

Circles and rings

Circles connected to each other or inscribed within one another indicate a desire for affiliation and participation. “I’m lonely, I feel like I’m disconnected from the outside world,” such drawings signal. When we draw circles on paper, the unconscious hints to us that we lack friendly participation and attention.

Animals

Your emotions today may directly depend on the animal that has settled on your paper. If it is a tiger or a wolf, aggression is hidden in you; if it’s a fox, they’re planning to cheat somewhere; a bunny or a squirrel - you need care and protection, a lion - you feel superior to everyone. When you constantly depict the same animal, bird or bug, you most likely compare it with yourself, attribute its habits to yourself.

Spirals, circles or wavy lines

Other people's problems don't bother you too much or don't interest you at all. Maybe you are even experiencing a slight emotional crisis: you are walking in a circle of your ambiguous experiences. Now you need to monitor your behavior so as not to lose your temper and lash out at others.

Arrows

This is the vector by which you navigate in life. The arrow is directed up - orientation towards other people, down - towards yourself, to the left - look into the past, to the right - hope for the future.

Asterisks

You want to be the center of attention; it is important for you to be bright and always noticed. But, if your star has too many rays or you depict them separately from her, this may indicate depressive experiences.

Flowers, sun, clouds

Cheerful flowers and the sun are sure signs that you are happy with how the telephone conversation is going. Most likely, while listening to your interlocutor, you are already dreaming and fantasizing about something pleasant. Such drawings completely betray your optimistic attitude and a good mood.

Crosses

Perhaps you are worried about a feeling of guilt towards a loved one or are burdened by some problem for which you feel responsible.

Houses and boxes

Symmetrical forms demonstrate a love of order, a penchant for planning and calculations. This is what such a drawing says to others: “I am not easily confused, I know exactly what I want, I have clear goals, and I am going to vigorously defend my opinion.”

Chess fields

Apparently, you find yourself in a very unpleasant, or at least difficult, situation. If such images appear frequently, then you most likely suffer from hidden complexes associated with the inability to resolve some situation, or are in search of yourself, your life path, doubt the correctness of your life.

Honeycomb

You strive for peace, harmony, and want to streamline your life. It is also quite likely that you are thinking about creating a family nest.

Many psychologists have already confirmed that our drawings can tell a lot about our personality, character and mood. It is no coincidence that in both psychology and psychiatry many diagnostic methods are associated precisely with drawings. Particular attention is paid to children's drawings. When analyzing the personality of an adult, you can use the drawings that he makes casually - we all often move a pencil on paper during telephone conversations, meetings, lectures or long waits. From this article you will learn what our drawings can tell you.

Professional psychologists can tell a lot about a person from drawings. However, the basic rules for analyzing a picture are now available to everyone who is interested, so even deciphering the picture yourself will help you learn better loved one or even yourself. Why drawing analysis in psychology so effective? There are at least two explanations for this.

• First of all, in drawings we express what we think. Since this method of dialogue with the outside world is indirect, unlike, for example, speech, the drawings in to a lesser extent controlled by our consciousness. If, when answering questions, we pass our words through certain internal filters, then by expressing something through a drawing, we feel freer and demonstrate our true selves. For example, this can explain the arrangement of pictures and their content.
• Our muscle movements are directly reflected in the drawings. The nature of your hand movements will be reflected in the lines and dimensions of the image. You've probably noticed that our movements depend both on momentary emotions and on temperament and character. Even in the process of ordinary communication, we receive a lot of information about a person non-verbally: by observing how he gestures and how his facial expressions change. Hand movements, which can be easily judged from a drawing, can also give us an idea of ​​a person’s character and mood.

Sometimes in psychology, for diagnosis, a person is specifically asked to draw, and sometimes in the analysis, random drawings are used, which many of us do casually, if we have a pencil and paper in our hands. The second method is certainly more effective. Random drawings provide the most objective characterization, and in drawings made specifically for a psychologist, a person can try to meet expectations.

Analysis occupies a special place in psychology. children's drawing. Deciphering them is in many ways easier than the drawings of adults, because children’s drawings are distinguished by great variety and wide color scheme. If you want to learn how to interpret adult or children's drawings, you should pay attention not only to the content of the image. The location of the object on the sheet, its color and the nature of the lines are no less important.

What does the location of the picture say?

By the position of the picture one can judge the character and values ​​of a person. Adults sometimes draw casually in the margins of a notebook, on empty space in old documents, or on small scraps of paper. However, even in this case, you can pay attention to how a person uses the available space for his drawing.

• A drawing located closer to the top edge of the sheet indicates high self-esteem and determination. For this type of people, the main priority in life is self-realization and the desire for success. Such people love the competitive process and strive to be the best in any business. They are often also quite passionate and have leadership qualities.
• Accordingly, the drawing located at the bottom of the sheet indicates that the person has fairly low self-esteem, he does not feel in demand and is not interested in fighting for championship.
• The images on the left speak of conservatism and nostalgia. This person is immersed in his memories, and the past serves as a guide for him.
• If a person draws something on the right, this, on the contrary, means that he is focused on the future. This means that a person expects positive changes, but the current state of affairs does not suit him. It is worth noting that these analysis rules are specific to each culture. For example, movements from left to right are characteristic of our writing, so conclusions can be drawn from the drawings by analogy.

• The location of the picture either on the left or on the right can be associated with a certain degree of dissatisfaction with life. Usually those people who are uncomfortable in the present look to the past or the future. Therefore, the most harmonious place for a drawing is the center of the sheet.

What does the size of the picture indicate?

The size of the drawing on the sheet is usually associated with a person’s self-esteem. Of course, you should consider the size in relation to the entire space of the sheet if space is limited.

• Large drawings indicate high self-esteem. If the drawing is excessively large and looks unnatural, this may indicate arrogance and vanity, the underlying cause of which, on the contrary, is lack of self-confidence.
• Particular uncertainty is evidenced by drawings that strive to take up all the space on the sheet. It's connected with psychological mechanism compensation: if a person cannot establish himself in his place in life, mentally he strives to take all the best, to take up as much space as possible. Usually such people are extroverts who, for one reason or another, cannot sufficiently realize themselves in society. This is reflected in the drawings.
• Introverts tend to draw small images and leave a lot empty space around. Psychologists interpret unreasonably small drawings as constriction, stiffness, fear and anxiety. Such people are emotionally closed, feel discomfort in outside world, are ashamed of themselves or do not trust their surroundings.

Color drawings in psychology

For the most part, children's drawings are analyzed using this parameter. Adults usually make drawings casually with the pencil that is at hand. The only thing that can be interpreted in adult drawings is the presence or absence of shading. In children's drawings, color has great importance for psychologists.

• Green color can indicate independence, self-sufficiency and stubbornness. This color is used by children who want to assert themselves.
• Yellow patterns indicate that a person feels comfortable.
• Blue signifies concern and self-absorption. Blue drawings are made in moments of thinking about the past or in attempts to solve a problem.
• Purple color indicates developed imagination.
• Red color indicates the need to throw out accumulated energy. This color is often used by hyperactive children. Red can also serve as a signal of hidden aggression.
• Gray indicates boredom and lack of positive emotions.
• The color brown denotes subconscious protest. A child who often uses brown paint is dissatisfied with any situation, feels anxious and uncomfortable.
• Black is associated with depression. Such drawings indicate that the child is highly concentrated on his problem and lacks positive experiences.
• In casual drawings by adults, densely shaded figures can mean closedness, a feeling of being contained. Often such drawings indicate a person’s creative crisis.
• If a person never shades his images, this indicates his willingness to perceive new things and accept change.

What do the lines in the picture say?

The lines a person makes can tell you a lot about his character. These lines can be solid or broken, rounded or with sharp corners. Using the lines in the drawing, you can easily decipher even images made by adults casually. This method is equally suitable for analyzing children's and adult drawings.

• Solid lines indicate emotional stability, flexibility and confidence. Such people are usually calm and confident that they will cope with all the difficulties that arise.
• Broken lines, on the contrary, indicate uncertainty and instability.
• Bold lines may indicate a person’s desire to stand out and establish himself. With such lines we can try to compensate for internal uncertainty, the desire to be noticed and appreciated.
• Deliberately thin lines, when a person barely presses the pencil and barely touches the paper, indicate a desire to avoid attention and communication, and a need for privacy. Similar lines can also appear if a person experiences shame and guilt.

• Strictly geometric designs, where all angles are right and all lines are perpendicular or parallel to each other, can mean hidden aggression. Also, such lines speak of conservatism and difficulties in adapting to new things.
• Clearly expressed aggression and hostility can be determined by the abundance of sharp corners in the picture.
• Rounded lines and soft curves indicate the softness and flexibility of a person. Typically, such designs are found in women more often than in men.
• Narrow and miniature figures speak of enslavement, the desire to adhere to the rules and not go beyond the limits.
• Large volumetric figures indicate that a person has a broad outlook and is emotionally open.

What do the painted objects say?

Of course, special attention should be paid to what exactly is drawn. Based on what objects a person depicts, you can tell a lot about him.

• Living objects, which include animals or people, indicate a lack of communication, a need for social contact. Also similar images may indicate a difficult problem in a person’s life, which he is afraid to solve alone.
• Empty landscapes depicting nature without people indicate difficulties in communicating and understanding other people's feelings or thoughts.
• Repeating standard simple patterns, such as flowers, clouds, trees or stars, speaks of emotional closeness and an attempt to hide one's true feelings.
• Subject drawings depicting people or animals in motion reveal an active and active nature.

Psychology of adult drawing

Drawings by adults, made casually, can be no less diverse than children's. By what exactly is drawn, one can largely judge a person’s personality. Let's consider the most popular versions of images among adults and their significance in psychology.

• Wavy lines and spirals may indicate that a person is in a difficult situation and is trying to overcome a crisis. Such drawings indicate hopelessness and appear if a person is confused about something.
• The grid indicates that a person feels in an unpleasant, vulnerable position.
• Often people draw the sun or flowers in between times. Unfortunately, the meaning of such drawings is not at all as obvious as it seems. Drawings of flowers in psychology, like drawings of the sun, they most often express sadness and the need for attention and communication.
• Joy can be expressed in drawings with hearts.
• Repeating patterns indicate boredom.
• If a person draws people, it means that he wants to shift responsibility to someone else and avoid work. It may also indicate a need for help and support.
• Drawing of a house in psychology means fatigue, hostility of a person towards the outside world and a desire to relax in an environment favorable for this.
• Chess is usually drawn by people who find themselves in ambiguous and difficult situation when they don't know what decision to make.
• A honeycomb drawn by an adult speaks of harmony and tranquility.
• If a person draws geometric figures, this may indicate the firmness of his convictions and confidence in the decision made.

Psychology of children's drawings

You can interpret the most frequently encountered drawings yourself - in any drawing there are always several basic criteria by which one can judge the temperament and emotional state child. What do children's drawings mean in psychology?

• Landscapes with a forest, lawn or street without people in children can signal loneliness and communication problems. If a child draws deserted landscapes, most likely his relationships with peers are not going well.
• A drawing of a house, just like in adults, speaks of fatigue and the need for comfort and relaxation surrounded by loved ones.
• Drawings of monsters can indicate internal tension, fear and discomfort. Often such images reflect popular childhood fears.
• Attention should be paid to the drawing of the family. Family drawing in psychology children demonstrate well how they see their family. If the family is depicted in in full force and in bright colors, it means that things are going well and the child is comfortable. If the child does not portray someone, it is worth thinking about - perhaps this person is missing in the child’s life, he pays little attention to the child. Black and brown paints in the image of the family they talk about the problems and negativity that the child feels. Also, for young children, the largest figure will mean the head of the family in a child’s understanding.
• Tree drawing in psychology means the desire for knowledge and development. However, how exactly the tree is drawn is also important. In the nursery psychology there are tests based on drawings- one of these tests is that the child is asked to draw a tree. By the presence or absence of roots, one can judge how deeply the child is accustomed to thinking. Trunk curvature or barrel unusual shape speaks of stress, dissatisfaction and discomfort. You can easily evaluate the crown of a tree by the lines of which it consists - whether the lines are rounded or with pointed corners, thin or bold, solid or broken.
• In psychology, animal drawings are considered a good sign - they indicate the child’s calmness and joy.
• Interpretations of a person’s drawing are given a special place in psychology - this is especially interesting when working with children. If a child draws another person, this often indicates a lack of communication. It is also worth paying attention to whether a specific person is drawn or a certain collective image. If a person is drawn in dark colors and unnaturally large, perhaps the child has a fear of people.
• If a child draws himself, this indicates a need for self-knowledge and self-expression. Children's drawings are often not very proportional, small details images can also say a lot. For example, large ears indicate boldness and a desire to stand out, short legs indicate low self-esteem, and long arms indicate that the child is always ready to try new things.

In psychology based on the drawing of a person a lot can be said about him personal characteristics, and about his mood at a particular moment. By observing your own drawings, you can make sure that the rules for their interpretation work. Of course, when assessing a person, you should not rely entirely on the analysis of his drawings, but some images in which one or another motif can be clearly seen can help you get to know the person a little better.

Video: “What do our drawings say?”

During a lesson, class, meeting or telephone conversation, draw some abstract figures: ovals, triangles, lines, sometimes something meaningful, for example, flowers, animals, people.

Stop! Do you often draw little people?

Then the information below is just for you! I advise you to find your latest “masterpiece” and look at it carefully.

Psychologists interviewed many people, reviewed a huge number of drawings and came to the conclusion that there is often a direct connection between a person’s character traits and his drawing on a piece of paper.

Or maybe you are interested in learning something new about people with whom you have been communicating for a long time? Invite them to draw a person! Surprises and surprises are guaranteed for everyone.

Let's start with the head. It was found that the head of a man will tell about his abilities, for example, if it is round, then the artist has a penchant for mathematics and the ability to think logically.

If the drawing has an oval head, then, of course, there are abilities to humanities and understanding of people. Long or wide will indicate artistic talent and closeness to linguistics. Well, the triangular one will confirm manual (creating with your hands) and technical abilities.

Let's take a look at the hair, which tells us about a person's intelligence. If individual hairs are depicted on paper, then we can conclude that the author has an analytical, critical mind. Curls or thick curls will indicate that the person drawing them has a brilliant mind and intellect. creative personality. If a man with a bald head appears before you, then know: the artist has a prudent, calm mind with good memory.

Let's talk about the face.
Firstly, the mouth, which reveals the attitude towards the world and people. If he is big and smiling, then the person has a calm, optimistic, friendly attitude to others. Is your mouth small and smiling?

This means that the author treats people with understanding, kindness and mercy. If there is a straight, elongated line in front of you, note that the person is a realist who requires people to understand. A pessimist who is cautious in contacts with people will not draw a mouth at all.

Secondly, the eyes, which symbolize the world of human feelings. Round eyes - a stormy emotional and spiritual life; dotted eyes will be drawn by those who are shy and restrained in emotions. Well, you can spot the romance right away: he will draw the pupils.

Look at the eyebrows. Human strict rules will depict straight ones, and neat and conscientious ones - with a crescent.

Notice the eyelashes; if they are there, then the author is undoubtedly a romantic person.
The little man was given ears? Take your cue: you are communicating with an idealist.

Next, enough important detail drawing is the torso.
If it is round, then kindness, generosity, condescension towards oneself and people overwhelm the person. The oval body symbolizes that the author is excellent at getting along and collaborating with people. Is the torso a thin line? This means that the person drawing has individuality, stubbornness, and sometimes selfishness.

The little guy was awarded a belly button? The artist has more than enough sense of humor.

Carefully examine the arms and legs, they speak about the attitude towards work: thick - the author works only for money, he is also quite ambitious, diligent, and effective. The conservative will depict straight sticks. In addition, he is patient, hard-working, and strives for stability. If you see sticks in motion, then the person has the makings of a leader, a creative person. He can make decisions quickly.

If an outfit is drawn in detail on paper, then the person is quite thrifty and modest. Absence will indicate generosity and extravagance. Those who are prudent and careful in business will draw clothes symbolically. A taciturn or punctual person will most likely add jewelry: earrings, bracelets, watches.

And finally, if a person is gambling, daredevil or reckless, then he will definitely indicate the gender of his character.