Adult Human Figure Test

HUMAN FIGURE TEST (DFH) FOR ADULTS KAREN MACHOVER
ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSIVE RESOURCES

INDICATORS INTERPRETATION
It is the sex that is granted greater social and intellectual authority that appears with a
Emphasis larger head.
Small It is the expression of a poor depressed, suffering, handicapped personality that does not
head can be imposed.
Those who draw a disproportionately large head are those who have a special sensitivity
in their head. Organic brain diseases, pain or some type of sensitivity. When there is
awareness of intellectual weakening. Intellectual frustrations. Mentally disabled. They
HEAD Big head also draw a big head for the paranoid, narcissistic, the very upright, and the vain (inflated
Ego).
Larger It reveals to us that the man is inadequately related to the maternal figure. Well, it
female considers as superior the sex that gives it a larger head size (superior in Intelligence).
head size Young children tend to draw large heads, as they take the adult's head as the most
important organ in relation to the child's emotional security.
Marked A marked head, unlike the rest of the body, indicates refuge in fantasy to compensate for
head line feelings of inferiority, or shame for the parts of the body and their function.
Head
drawn at It implies disturbance in interpersonal relationships.
the end
Whoever omits, showing a careful and aggressive delineation of the contour and
detail of other parts of the figure, is an evasive individual regarding the character
of his interpersonal relationships. Superficiality, caution, and hostility may
Omission of characterize this individual's social contacts. The omission of facial features has
facial features also been observed in normal subjects.
SOCIAL TRAITS.
PART OF THE darkening of Shy and elusive subjects will often significantly obscure facial features, while
FACE facial features strongly tracing the contour of the head (importance of one's own “I” and a
strong tendency towards social participation, but repressed.
Exaggerated They use a profile layout and in combination with dark lines through the balance
emphasis and of the figure, it occurs in subjects who have a poor self-esteem due to an image
accentuation of an aggressive and socially dominant individual.
marks of facial
features
The facial expression they draw reflects autistic and narcissistic concern, with
large size and aborted or blocked movement that tends to reinforce their
tendency to fantasy. This movement is strong, which seeks exhibitionism,
FACIAL Schizoid resulting in a static pose, which contrasts with the movement. external.
EXPRESSION
Naso-facial lines its emphasis attempts to add depth and maturity to the face
and forehead
Forehead It is generally associated in the mind of a subject with intellectual capacity. The
buckling (profile marked occipital buckling may have a similar meaning.
view)
Emphasis on the projection of the mouth may be expressed by omission,
Emphasis reinforcement, special size, special shape, erasure or displacement.
It is seen in drawings of children, primitive individuals, returnees, alcoholics and
Oral emphasis depressed individuals.
Closely linked to food whims and gastric symptoms, indecent language and outbursts
Excessive of bad mood.
emphasis
The sight he said of an adult is considered an index of infantility and oral aggression.
Detailed with teeth Children and the mentally handicapped also frequently draw it like this.
MOUTH
It intensifies orality on a more primitive level, this also adds an erotic signal.
Language
Concave or orally It is found in children's, dependent drawings; whose dependence is on the world
receptive manifested in the excessive emphasis on buttons.
Thick broken line
It means aggression.
In the mouth it has been observed in profile drawings with a marked expression of
tension and has been specifically observed in the drawings of individuals who have
simple line had “fellatio” experiences.
Upturned, of a mouth giving the effect of a clown making faces, it is frequently
observed in children's drawings and in other children's representations of the human
figure. This is interpreted as an effort to gain approval or an inappropriate effect, its
meaning depending on other aspects of your drawing.
wide line
Omission Asthmatics can often omit the mouth.

Thickness in the male figure They are considered a sign of effeminacy
In combination with other excessively cosmeticized features, they are
cupid's bows observed in drawings of sexually precocious girls.
placed between the lips like a toothpick or straw, it has appeared in
THE LIPS drawings of individuals with a history of oral eroticism in their sexual
Line out of place relations.
It is usually indicated by the inclusion of a striking cigarette or similar
Erotic-anal emphasis thing in the mouth.
It appears erased, reinforced, showing a line change, or made to stand
out prominently. It is interpreted as compensation for weakness,
indecision and/or fear of responsibility, a strong impulse to appear
THE JAW Profile energetic and dominant.
The jaw of the female figure projected quite differently from the male.
Dependent males often symbolize the projection of greater power
towards the female, not only by drawing a larger female figure, but by
Figure differentiation giving her a much more prominent jawline.
They give a lot of emphasis to the eyes. The large, dark, accentuated or
THE EYES The paranoids threatening eye, producing an image of hostility and/or suspicion.
piercing eyes They tend towards a socially aggressive attitude.
The man with homosexual inclinations, often very extroverted in his

social personality, can draw large eyes with eyelashes on the man's
Big figure, in combination with a prominent high heel.
It is often symptomatic of emotional immaturity and self-centeredness. The repetition of
drawing small circles, such as eyes, nose, buttons, in a figure, is observed in extremely
infantile adults, mentally deficient children, as a reflection of dependency, superficial emotion
THE Empty and lack of discrimination.
EYES Orbit of the eye, it may be big, but the eye itself is very small. These individuals may show strong visual
indicated by a line curiosity, but have some guilt connected with that perhaps voyeuristic function.
as if they will deliberately close themselves to the world in order to better isolate themselves
Closed in their own narcissism.
Less voluntary and more acute projection of “not seeing” by omitting the pupil and drawing
the outline only. The world is not actively closed to the subject, but perceived vaguely, as a
Pupil omission kind of undifferentiated mass with little discrimination of details.
It reflects refinement and personal care, it carries the accent of a critical attitude towards less
THE well groomed educated people.
EYEBRO
W Hairy Reveals more primitive, rough and uninhibited characteristics.
Lifted It is associated with disdain, arrogance or doubt.
Due to the size, reinforcement or transparency through hair, shape, placement or erasures, it
can indicate everything from slight reactions to criticism or social opinion to auditory
EAR hallucinations, often correlating the degree of ear distortion with the intensity of the
Highlights experience. auditory that reflects.
The paranoid puts emphasis on the ear in most cases, due to his caution, suspicion and
distrust. Often, the individual with homosexual conflicts will project ideas of paranoid
references and reactions, placing emphasis specifically on the ears. An individual
susceptible to offense and resistant to authority, he can moderately accentuate his ear.
Emphasis
On the head, chest, beard, mustache, it is generally considered an indication of virile

Emphasis strength.
It may indicate sexual disorder. Immature psychosexual men tend to draw the female
HAIR Messy with messy and abundant hair and the male with a careful and precise hairstyle. This
difference with the hair of the sexes also indicates hostility towards women.
Wavy, bewitching, With other striking cosmetic details, it is seen in drawings of sexual delinquent girls or
cascading those who aspire to dazzle with their appearance.
It has been seen in drawings of adolescents whose virility conflicts have turned into
in the jaw schizoid traits.
Vigorous shading With a poor delineation in form, it is an expression of the conflict of virility, converted into
schizoid features.
Shaded or cut It is related to fears of castration due to onanistic practices.
Reinforced It suggests an attempt to compensate for inappropriate sexuality.
NOSE Excessively long It is often expressed in men with sexual impotence.
The indecisive adolescent or those with sexual problems project their sexual difficulties
through display symbols, such as a tie, a large fly over their pants, or a shadow or cut of
Symbolism the nose.
If the nostrils are marked, they are considered a specific accent of aggression.
Signage
tall and thin Moralists, educated, rigid, etc. have it, while a short neck is associated with impulse, bad
mood.
It is seen as a factor of immaturity in drawings of children, mentally deficient adults and
Omission regressive individuals.
THE NECK
It is mostly seen in the drawings of schizoids or schizophrenics. They suffer a feeling of
Long and bodily weakness, expressing it in a compensatory tendency towards physical power and
very fine aggression. Physically they are inferior and psychosexually infantile.
Reinforceme The most serious cases of suicide are directed at the neck.
nt
Special interest in the Adam's apple has been linked to individuals who are sexually
weak and confused about their own sexual role. In drawings of adolescents as an
NUT expression of virility. Symbol of compensatory masculinity.
OF ADAM Symbolism
The movement aborted and cold, the figure is trapped in itself. Some degree of somatic
CONTACT concentration, heightened narcissism, and weakening of contact traits appear in
TRAITS poorly drawings of neurotics and psychotics. Weak contact with the outside.
adjusted
Vague Darkened or imprecise outlines indicate a lack of confidence in social contacts, one's
ARMS AND contours own productivity, or both.
HANDS strongly suggests guilt in relation to aggressive impulses or onanistic activity.
shading
Placed in an evasive manner, it is seen in young girls who aspire to fascinate
Behind the back and are embarrassed by biting their nails.
Placed in pockets It can be a sign of masturbation and laziness. (Seen in criminals, young
psychopathic males, it is a sign of evasion)
Excessive hand size Compensation for weakness, or reaction against some misuse of them
Fragile or wasted They indicate deficiency and weakness, either as a physical reality or as a
arms psychic reaction.
ARMS It should never be taken as a casual oversight. Schizophrenics or extremely
AND depressed individuals may omit them as a sign of recollection in relation to
HANDS people and things. Men can omit them indicating rejection by their mother
Omission of arms and/or other women. In such cases the arms of the man figures may be very
extended outwards
Extremely long It is associated with ambition
Hand in the genital It is associated, in most cases, with individuals with masturbation practices.
region
Fingers without In an adult, drawing the fingers without the hand indicates childhood
hands aggression.
FINGER In adults it is associated with poor manual dexterity and childishness, in the
S Short and round case of children it is normal.
Severely shadowed They are considered indicators of guilt, mainly referring to theft and
or forced masturbation.
Spear or heel shape They have been observed, along with paranoid traits, in aggressive drawings.
It is pressed tensely towards the body, the significance lies mainly in a repressed
Closed fist internal rebellion, finding expression in symptoms rather than behavior.
Closed fist
with arm It is seen in delinquent adolescents as an index of rebellion.
extended
Closed jointed Closing the possibilities of contact, it is interpreted as an expression of repressed
with a line aggression.
FINGE
RS OF abnormally
HANDS long As a special feature in aggressive drawings
More than five Ambitious and aggressive individuals. It may also suggest masturbation.
fingers
Joints and carefully highlighted indicate obsessive control of aggression
nails
Claw or tool Expression of aggression
special layout The index finger or thumb may receive a special and rigid outline or dismemberment
may appear. Individuals concerned about their masturbation tendencies.
Avoidance of drawing the legs or It is done by depressed teenagers and conflicted women who are
drawing the person sitting. worried about this area.
Small legs with wobbly lines They are related to decreased vital energy, they are done by the
elderly, it also indicates a lack
of sexual energy
They indicate narcissism and psychosexual immaturity. It is

LEGS Figure of the favorable male and considered that this type of
figure of the hostile, mischievous drawing also has a meaning of sexual implication mainly of
woman, with crooked legs confusion of "sexual characteristics"
Tendency to refuse to continue
drawing beyond the waist line. They indicate sexual disturbance.
They present it as an index of a conflict zone, and in individuals of
Hidden legs. senile age
Evidence of sexual panic disorders, homosexual tendency; These

same indexes are presented by the subject who makes legs with
transparent pants. The legs, due to their proximity to the genital
Shaded legs. area, have a genital connotation, they also maintain the spatial
stability of the body and also represent contact with the environment.
ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSIVE RESOURCES It can be drawn by subjects who give an index of sexual
similar to a phallus
INDICATORS insufficiency and/or sexual concern
INTERPRETATION
FEET
It is When
given he by isinsecure, effeminate
representing his ownsubjects;
body it ifis they are of
indicative
Small foot accompanied by shadowing, they indicate anxiety.
discontent with his own body or compensation through an
Foot with pointed toesSkinny body It is considered
unpleasantan accent ofofaggressiveness
roundness the figure. of a pathological
nature.
It appears in drawings of women with fantasies of bewitching
Confused
Pointed toes on clothed figures body men, and with
It is considered an indication of aggressiveness that can
contour become concern about your weight
pathological.
TOES Reluctant to close
the lower part ofItthe
Toes confined in a line is anItindex
is indicative of sexual
of repression preoccupation
of aggressive tendencies. They also
MISCELLANEO THE trunk indicate dullness
US BODY LOG
TRAITS
Carefully crafted toesangular body It is Itoneis a of
masculinity
the most index
significant, most loaded or most
considered indices, it is frequently observed in schizoids.
rounded body Indicates less aggression and more femininity
Painted toenails Trunk exposed
with 2 in This is an index considered as an expression of female
parallel
openwork shoes lines, projected aggressiveness
in
continuity
interrupted from It is carried out by regressive, primitive and disorganized
head to toe individuals.
Overlooking the Anxiously shading the trunk of the female figure (indicates
trunk of the male repudiation of one's own body and aggression towards the
fissure female figure)
In drawings of people concerned with physical power. An
effeminate, weak, malnourished adolescent trying to
compensate for his deficiency; They can make a self-portrait
Broad shoulders of the beautiful body, common in male adolescents, when
and long muscles. taken to the extreme it constitutes a pathological
concentration on the body.
It is performed by sexually ambivalent subjects with
MISCELLANEO Big shoulders. overcompensation for maladjustment.
US BODY SHOULDE Powerful shoulders It can be done by sensitive, small, poorly nourished subjects.
TRAITS RS Shoulders It is drawn by alcoholic subjects, it must also be accompanied
shrugged with feet by signs of immaturity, guilt and repressed aggression.
in space.
Powerful shoulder
in the female figure Drawn by the woman, it makes some degree of masculinized
protest sensible.
Shoulders with The expression of masculinity is a basic concern
erases
Drawn by men from the front or in profile, significant, similar
Shoulders marked to the bust. Confusion of physical power and the maternal
with erasures. symbol indicated in the figure of the male, combined with
other traits of sexual confusion. Men with body insufficiency
tend to sometimes draw with shoulder pads.
Breasts insistence Common in adolescent boys, and corresponds to their

on men “beautiful development phase. When taken to the extreme, it can be
body” considered a pathological concentration.
MISCELLANEO BREAST
US BODY S It is related to the necessary development typical of her age,
TRAITS Breast in female also with the acceptance of the role of a woman. The
drawings. voluminous female breast is indicative of oral expression
Chest made by Indicates interest in the pelvic area and motherhood, her
women with hips are notably accentuated
emphasis on the
female figure.
INDICATORS IfINTERPRETATION
they are linked to a prominent butt, heels and clothing in
Big breasts addition to feminine features in the man's drawing, it may be
Hips made by men They are related to problems of a homosexual nature.
an indication of homosexuality.
in figures of their
BREAST
HIPS own sex.
S Big breasts in They indicate identification with a dominant mother; if this
Exaggerated line on They may indicate consciousness of power, referring to
drawings made by same thing is prescribed in men, they indicate that they have
the hips of the the functional potential of extensive pelvic development.
women: possibly suffered oral deprivation, that they feel nullified by a
female figure.
dominant maternal figure. Emotionally and psychosexually
They are observed in individuals who intend to go down
immature males tend to draw large, shadowed, and erased
different paths at the same time. This conflict in relation to
MISCELLANEO breasts.
the hips can be found most acutely expressed in a marked
US BODY horizontal display of the lower part of a man's jacket,
TRAITS Hips with confused extending beyond the main area of the body. Also
lines indicates homosexual tendency
Occasionally it is drawn over the sexual area of the figure
Large and simple in a presumptuous disposition, indicating an effort to
hip. replace intellectual power with inadequate sexual power.
Disproportion or It is interpreted as significant in terms of the functional
distortion. significance of the area in question.
BUTTOCK
Overdeveloped Both in the naked and covered figure, in front and in
S
buttocks profile. There is significant confusion, conflict in this area
Reinforced or It denotes the irritating and clearly direct tension with
LINE interrupted waist the problem of distributing the body.
OF line.
THE When they give the appearance of a corset, they
WAIST suggest a precarious control that can break into
impulsive outbursts. The narrowness of the waist
narrow waist also indicates withdrawal,
inhibition.
internal organs They rarely occur, except in maniacs or
schizophrenics.
Body lines visible
MISCELLANEO ANATOMICAL through It is a different index from the drawing with internal
US BODY INDICATIONS transparent organs. Thus, legs with transparent pants indicate
TRAITS clothing sexual fear in men.
Somatic awareness is the placement of a few
incomplete lines incomplete lines on the chest or pelvic region.
Drawing a man as small as a peanut is equivalent to
Joints avoiding facing the problems of the body. (feeling of
physical insecurity). The joints give an appearance
of strength to the figure
Indication of maternal dependence and
JOINTS Emphasis on joints psychosexual immaturity, accompanied by the
drawing of a female, who is more aggressive, larger
and more dominant than the male figure.
Omission of clothing. The nude has an individualistic and egocentric character.
The presence of genitalia, especially that of the male, in
adults indicates primitivism or schizophrenic signs.
Ask if it is done with It is an indication of a certain disturbance in this regard
clothes. (sexual).
MISCELLANEO THE Dress the figures Deployment of muscle development indicates narcissism for
US BODY CLOTHE inside. the body.
TRAITS S They dress theThey are narcissistic about clothes, they are sociable and
figure externally extroverted, with a strong desire to achieve dominance and
social approval.
Female figure of the She is often completely clothed, as opposed to the drawing
narcissist by the of her own sex which is adorned with muscles, this is
body. significant of egocentrism, poor adjustment
sexual and certain infantilism.
Pleats in the suit,
high shoulder pads,
handkerchiefs in the
breast pocket. They indicate narcissism to us through clothing
Highlighted trouser It is performed by individuals with masturbation problems.
fold
It is an index of profound social immaturity, because it gives
Concern about importance to a secondary element, and also indicates deep
men's clothing insecurity.
I draw both female He indicates that he is apparently adequate, but deep down
clothing and that of he does not feel secure in the area of his heterosexual
their sex relationships.
Highlight of women's It means that you are attracted to the feminine or narcissism.
clothing. If it occurs in women, it indicates that there is an adequate
MISCELLANEO THE conception of their sexual role.
US BODY CLOTHE Women who pay
TRAITS S attention to
garments They indicate confusion in their psychosexual role, the need
masculine. to compete or challenge the opposite sex.
Ankle-length
women's clothing. It can be considered as indicative of the maternal image
Figures of young
people with adult They indicate that there is a certain identification with the
clothes paten figure
He generally has a neurotic adjustment, and the narcissist
Narcissist for the presents more of the schizoid personality type, focused on
body himself and introverted.
Buttons aligned to They indicate somatic concern, hypochondriacs.
the center.
It can be caused by shading, inappropriate placement; It
occurs in dependent subjects, in children and in
Emphasis on maladjusted subjects. Preferably seen on the shoulders
buttons.
BUTTONS Buttons attached to It is indicative of people with obsessive-compulsive
buttonholes neurosis.
It reflects the intimate connection of dependence on the
Midline buttoning mother, and reoccupation with the body. It also
MISCELLANEO indicates somatic concern and feeling of Insufficiency.
US BODY uniform button They indicate a complex of submission to authority
TRAITS
Pockets in They are a representation of the breasts as if there
children's drawing. were a dynamic connection between pockets and
POCKET
emotional nutrition.
Special pockets Including by teenagers arrested for shoplifting. They
also frequently sketch neurotics of crime
Chest pocket Indicates emotional depravity. Oral symptom
Big pocket It is performed by children in full growth, and full of
sweets as a symbol of expansion and maturity.
Drawing of pockets They do it as an expression of struggle for unity that
by teenagers. antagonizes the emotional dependence on the mother.
Circular pockets They have a primitive, feminine, submissive, narcissistic
character.
Emphasis on the tie It is an index of sexually inadequate men when close
attention is paid, there is a possibility of homosexuality
small tie Indicates repressed or inferior feelings about the body.
TIE
Flying tie Suggests sexual assault and intense sexual
preoccupation, emotional support
Very large or It is carried out by men over 40 years old with sexual
sometimes small tie. conflict
Elaborate belt Tension control and rationalization index
Underpants It is an index of exhibitionism in men, generally drawn by
MISCELLANEO narcissists on the body, leaving their muscles visible.
US BODY Corset Corset or girdle is considered a feminoid trait, it is
TRAITS generally drawn by narcissistic women, fetishistic
exhibitionists
OTHERS Hat The hat has a phallic significance, it also implies a
regressive or schizoid character who has remained in a
sexually infantile state, while he has been experiencing
vivid fantasies of virility.
Shoes They are considered two indicators of sexual symbolism,
both feminine and masculine.
Shoes in the shape of Drawings of impotent men or with conflicts in their sexual
a penis and/or with potency, they also tend to draw shoes with erasures,
erases. shading and line changes
Check if the drawing is a stereotype of a specific person or an image of
INDICATORS yourself. INTERPRETATION
Drawing of a figure of the same sex younger than the subject itself: it
may indicate desires to return to previous ages.
Issue The very cautious and/or compulsive subject draws a separate part, afraid
Drawing of of entering
a ridiculousthe whole.
character as a representation of a serious person:
Hesitancy to proceed
indicates evasion from feelings beyond the head
of physical or belowThey
inferiority. the waist
will be indicates
small fear of
drawingsfacing
locatedconflicts related
at the far left of to
thethose
page.areas.
Succession Those who start with the hat instead of the head, those who draw the head
Drawing asof antheold
last feature,
figure: those
identity withwhoimagestart
of with the facial features and then draw
parents.
the line of the face and those who start with the feet and then continue
FORMAL
FORMAL AND
AND Figures that are walking,
upwards, indicatein ,combat,
all, poorsaluting, etc., are
interpersonal typical of adolescents.
adjustment, including inability to
STRUCTURAL Figures that
try areachieve
to static or, at most,
one's own taking
emotionala walk can be typical of girls.
balance.
STRUCTURAL
ASPECTS
ASPECTS
When movement does not fit
Excess symmetry with age,
produces oneeffects.
rigid can think of a is
Rigidity tendency
equivalent toward
to defense
Action or fantasy; Ifagainst
it is constructive or pathological,
what is repressed and/or the rest a
against ofthreatening
the drawingenvironment.
will indicate
movement it. Perfectionism, exhibitionism and also the defense against
Symmetry depersonalization are characteristic of highly symmetrical drawings.
The pattern
Those thatwho
indicates a clear
draw with impulse symmetry
excessive towards movement,
are usuallybut which is and/or
compulsive
blocked and counteracted by static, autistic or introverted traits,
emotionally cold. Furthermore, they usually have a precariously controlled is observed
mainly in schizoids or schizophrenics, whose efforts to achieve success and
personality.
power are strong, but completely filled with fantasies and inadequate.
A marked confusion in symmetry is observed in neurotics due to their
sense of poor coordination.
Succession Haphazard drawing may be due to disordered impulse, manic excitement, or
The hypomanic or hysterical individual, those who suffer from some
schizophrenic thinking.
Impulse disorder (very =repulsive) and, in general, those who have an
excess of spontaneity, may present disorders in symmetry, based mainly
on their carelessness, poor control, extreme activity and diffusion.
ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSIVE HUMAN RESOURCES
FIGURE TEST (DFH) FOR ADULTS KAREN MACHOVER
INDICATORS
ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSIVE RESOURCES It has to do with symmetry, but it also plays a different role. The midline
INTERPRETATION
HUMAN FIGURE The may very belong
TEST related
(DFH)
figure (elaborately)
FORplaced ADULTS to the
aggressively KAREN collar, tie,middle
inMACHOVER
the buttons, of buckle,
the page and is even
seen
INDICATORS
ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSIVE RESOURCES INTERPRETATION
any crease on the pants, or it may be indicated by a vague, light line
HUMAN more
FIGURE in the
TEST paranoid,
(DFH) FORwho has
ADULTS a high KAREN and fantastic
MACHOVER self-esteem.
INDICATORS Small, pointed,
down alcoholics,
INTERPRETATION
Chronic the middle of shadowed or reinforced feet
the trunk. changes or senility, because patients have and a poorly balanced figure
ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSIVE HUMAN FIGURE
RESOURCES
and/or
Placing TEST
poor (DFH)involutional
standing
emphasis FOR
is onan ADULTS
index of KAREN
insecurity. MACHOVER
ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSIVE
It can
littlebe:
RESOURCES
solid, broken,
self-esteem, draw a the
fragmented, smallmidline reinforced,
figure is
at seen
thethin topin subjects
orofthick. the page, withgivingsomatic the
INDICATORS The INTERPRETATION
preoccupation,
contour line of the feelings
body of
often bodily
reflects inferiority,
the degree emotionalof immaturity,
sensitivity and and
isolation
impression that it is wandering in space.
INDICATORS Middle line
INTERPRETATION The
of the Erasures
figure
maternal
subject
Small as (conflicts)
ifrespect
dependence.
with
figures canfloating beare
toThisin
the mostly
the
observed group airobserved
environment. is
tends
in given
very toin toneurotics
draw
regressiveolder
aggressive in general
chronic
and women and
alcoholics.
deteriorated and in
The
Psychosexually Alcoholics, obsessive-compulsive
Something
figures
infantileschizoids,
schizophrenics of similar
men
and immatureas an happens
who and are thosecharacters
in
men tend
expression hysterics,
castrated, who of suffer
to in
a low particular.
effeminatebut
draw from
levelwith
theof or fainter
fear who
figure lines.
have suffered
of depersonalization
energy of and
the a man some
as wellcan
diminished
posture offer
modulated, detailed We On
see
mishap.
a
"I". They thick, the
tight
anddraw other
heavy and
kind,with hand,
together
line
while simpleas they
a
theyand legs rarely
barrier
draw in tense
primitive erase:
between
the figure children,
neurotics.
themselves
features. mentally
and
of the woman as a maternal the handicapped
environment.
Deletions
image, The When
with virility Apeople,
row the
impressionable
and
Micrographic chronic
ofabove
irrelevant
hostility. drawings and
If, and
happens
apart deteriorated
buttons
fearfulfrom
also in neurotic
awillgirl's
this,
occur often
theschizophrenics,
in drawing
can form also
woman's
deeply ofrepressed
the do it, organic
afigure
woman,
emphasis asiscan it people,
on
smaller
and may
the theorganic
than senile
indicate
midline.
neurotically that and
of the man, the fear
it may people,
Thisor
mentally
indicaterepressed
is maniacs
frequently
deficient.
a desire
demeaning and chronic
for
observed sexual
attitude
depressed individuals. His figures are more detailed and present erasures alcoholics.
inattack.schizoids
towards the or
female, schizophrenics
in defense whose
against
FORMAL AND
AND Type
Differential
FORMAL the of lineand
image
Size castrating Erasures
andphysical
ofConflict areas
shading. authority can
inferiority
areThe often be considered
assigned
feet andmaymaternal
highlighted to
beher. an
omitted expression
bydependence
a sharp change
or represented ofpredominate.
anxiety.
in by thealine.
line.
STRUCTURAL
treatment of
STRUCTURAL the placement The The Women
paranoid
Infantile,
confusing at the
lineand
narcissistic,age
is the of
given puberty
schizoid
and
The large figure is not exclusive to the manic, nor the paranoid, by erase
can
older
shy or drawexcessively
subjects
insecure the figure
who
individuals, tight,
are with
and the
approaching norarms
this thea is
line
FORMAL
ASPECTS
Figures AND
of Men
ASPECTS The woman frequently
who pressedWhen
devolutionary
is dominated
subject to erased,
the
fragmented.
inflated with body, instead
decline as
and fantasies; if of
trying
and
is against The improving
are to contain
unable
maleaggressive the to
influence candrawing,
outside accept ititusually
influences.may
strengthen
psychopath worsens,
give
may imperfect
thealso
figure thus
cut of a
STRUCTURAL
FORMAL AND
and Women the woman and The Drawingconfirming
emphasis
outline
weaken aof
that profile
to
the
ofthe the
head
the Interpretation
can manmidline
be
drawn an
(penis index
of
with
large figure on the left or introverted side, corresponding to his social that
the
envy?). a oferasure
figure,
evasion;
strong is
thus
line mainly
This
and an
reflecting
is
with index
seen of
their
more
confusing conflict.
somatic
in boys
features
ASPECTS
STRUCTURAL and
demonstratesShadowing
preoccupation.
men. Children
maladjustment. a strongisLarge,
considered
almost
desireempty, for an
never expression
social
poorly draw participation
proportioned of anxiety.
in profile. Right-handers
andandshynessweakly about drawit.their
synthesized
FORMAL
ASPECTS AND Subjects canThe profileVigorous
If theare
profile
befigures
projected towards
drawing
drawing
ontoshading
seenboththe is left
tothe
inwith can
side,
thestrong
drawings; suggest
mentally and
right of lines aggressiveness
left-handers
the
However,
deficientpage,
and with draw
it is in
other
and intimes
the the
the and/or
the concealment.
profile
environment.
balance
organic,
they only the
line other
of
reflecting
project thetheirIt
way is
figure
the
STRUCTURAL defects ontoconfused thearoundIfmore
themay
superficial
figure of common
(although
drawing
the indicate
emotionality, isnot
opposite in
on psychopaths
always).
the
autismsex. left,
lack and
itofisdiscernment
and/or oriented children.
narcissism. by itself.
and poor reasoning power,
ASPECTS Sadistic (sexually) men often strongly shade inthe
The
Size and FaintIf men
At
lines the draw
top
with ofthe
the figure
reinforcements
Usually, one's own sex should be drawn first; Homosexualsmay
characteristic of these page from
it
subjects.is the
related
and The front
spotsto heavy and
optimism.
are seen
line full of
tend tosexual
clothes,
hysterics.
indicate area
itExample:
may
do aggression.
the of
mean
opposite. the
well-
perspective
placement defined Atfemale
exhibitionist
The hysteric
Drawings of homosexuals the
head figure.
bottom
anddesires.
can can it
facial
also indicates
also features
show make depression.
sexual and
large blurred body.
figures placed in the center, but their
confusion.
The Hands
poor When
The
excited behind
maniac
drawing the shadowed
their
disperses
schizophrenic
of the body, backs chest
the
and
together appears
or figure
inthe their onpockets
manic
with (in
the the
a givepage
relativelydrawings
indicate
very with of lines
even
great
thick
well-made men) more
waste andin of
as the male
evasion
a paper
graphic
detailed
shading
Chronological than
age
expression
head, figure,
and the
does will we
profile
abundant
of not must
theiralter
serve drawing.
waste
excess suspect
theof ofgraphic
to differentiate a
energy. certain
motor aggression. tendency
expression,
them from the to feel
but organic physical
it must and/or inferiority.
be seen if the
mentally
features agree The Head
with If shadowed
the in
hairy, broken
deficient. profile,
age. There
Furthermore, breasts
trunk
or tremblingarein appear
front
still
in thelinenoand on legsthe
established
is given
organic in female
profile
rules
andbymentally figure
indicate
in this
schizoidhandicapped (drawn
a poor
regard. by men).
discernment
alcoholics. the quality They
The of
ofthickmay
the line
the indicate
subject.
lineisissimplerseen a certain
Its extremeinandparanoidmorematernal
case dependence.
is the confusion of the profile and the full
alcoholics.
solid.
Development Very young The children
face. The (three
The effeminate or
latter four
vanishing line is rare, appearing is years
subjects
seen in old)
place draw
profoundly subtle people lines
mentally
mainly that
on the almost
in skirt
handicapped look
in thelike
long-standing area spiders.
people, of the
in
chronic
Considerations The trunk appears later
genital
organics
schizophrenics. than
organs,
with the head
thus
schizoid and
suggesting limbs.
features If
a an
certain
and adult were
sexual
even to
concern.
more draw like a
frequently three or
in
four year old child, it would
Shading be an indication
correspondsfeature of obvious
in the Rorschach regression
to the or mental retardation.
Some schizophrenics.
type of differential given to any arearesponsescan be considered of maps and asx-an
Perspective
Conflict errorThe and
raysfiguresinadequate
(chiaroscuro).
of
index of possible conflict in that area. women transparency
The that shading
tend are of
to normal
the outline
represent in a child,
of
the but
clothing
maternal in mayan adult
be
image they
related
are
would
indicatorsindicate
The poor
usually judgment
to the
crossed drawn conflict
outfrom and
nose discernment.
regarding
the the body
orfront. hand concealment;
separated from it may the indicate
arm suggests an impulse fear of
castration. and fear to expose the body.
Perseveration The is normal
closed eye in children,
can be an andindication
in adults of it indicates
isolation from low C. the I.,world.
deterioration, etc.
It is also indicative of conflict to omit any part of the body.
Shadowing in children is more of a trait of general insecurity in the world of adults, but in
them it is an index of a more specific pathology.
Emphasis on the head (as an index of his neurotic preoccupations).
Empty eyes (emotional immaturity and egocentrism).
Weakness in contact traits (poor capacity for interpersonal relationships).
Neurotic Confusion in symmetry (anxiety, depression, emotional shock, lack of
emotional balance).
Legs together and tight (emotional tension).
Thick and heavy line (aggression and depression).
Erasures (anxiety and insecurity).
Emphasis on the head (worries).
NOSOLOGICA Emphasis on the mouth (orality, dependency, repressed aggression,
L DIAGNOSIS Depressives repressed pregenital -perverse- sexuality).
TEST They may omit their arms (they cannot relate emotionally to others, they are
withdrawn).
Very small drawings (depression, feelings of insecurity and inferiority).
Erasures (insecurity, anxiety).
Anxious Shadowing (fear, anxiety).
Head similar to that of a monkey (preoccupations, obsessions).
Draw cautiously (insecurity, compulsion, meticulousness).
Obsessive- Excess symmetry (repressed aggression, thoroughness, insecurity,
Compulsive compulsion).
Erasures (anxiety, insecurity, compulsion).
General conscientiousness (ananchastic personality).
Prominent teeth in the mouth (aggression).
Disorders in symmetry (lack of emotional balance, emotional shock, anxiety,
depression).
Hysterical Exaggerated activity during drawing (emotional instability).
Large figure placed in the center of the sheet (egocentrism, narcissism,
exhibitionism).
Detailed and well-made head, but with a poor body (sexual difficulties and
repulsiveness).
Figure as if floating in the air (insecurity, emotional instability).
Weak lines with reinforcements and spots (insecurity, anxiety, emotional
instability).
NOSOLOGICAL Emphasis on the head (worries, excessive intellectualization of life,
DIAGNOSIS TEST emotional coldness).
They draw the head last (they go the opposite of everyone else, they are
Social inopportune and inconsequential).
Misfits They darken facial features (difficulty in interpersonal relationships).
They strongly trace the contour of the head (they tend to take refuge in their
own way of thinking, sometimes they are "hard-headed").
Empty eye (emotional immaturity, egocentrism, loneliness).
Emphasis on the mouth (orality, repressed aggression, dependency).
Small figure at the top of the page (feeling of inferiority with frustrated desire
to stand out, alcoholic euphoria).
Alcoholics Thick and heavy line (aggression and depression).
Hairy, broken or trembling line (organism, anxiety in schizoid alcoholics).
Thick line (tends to be seen in alcoholics with paranoid features).
They rarely erase (organism, irresponsibility; seen in chronic alcoholics,
especially if they are drunk).
Hands in pockets (tendency to steal, masturbation).
Shaded or reinforced fingers (guilt for theft; sometimes aggression).
Psychopaths Closed fist (rebellion, aggressiveness).
Emphasis on pockets (thieves, pickpockets).
NOSOLOGICA Large figure on the left (introverted) side of the page (seen in aggressive and
L DIAGNOSIS more antisocial psychopaths).
TEST Shade vigorously (aggressiveness).
Prominent teeth in the mouth (oral aggression, dependency).
Concave or orally receptive mouth (orality, dependency).
Empty eyes (they distance themselves from the adult world, they want others
to look out for them).
Nose and mouth in circles, as well as eyes and buttons (dependence, little
discrimination).
Childhood Hands without fingers (in adults it is childhood aggression).
Emphasis on buttons (dependency).
Emphasis on pockets (they carry them full, just like children; sometimes,
masturbation without objects).
They highlight the middle line (dependency, seek security).
Big head (children's drawing).
Eye, nose, mouth and buttons empty and in a circle (infantilism, inability to
Mentally discern, dependency).
Deficient Large, empty, poorly proportioned figures (psycho infantilism and clumsiness).
Head in profile, trunk in front and legs in profile (poor orientation and
discrimination ability).
Confusion of profile and face (seen in profoundly mentally handicapped
people).
Mentally Thick and heavy line (little skill and sometimes some aggressiveness).
Deficient They rarely erase (irresponsibility, inability to discriminate).
They draw like spiders (typical drawing of young children, inability to draw
intelligently).
Perseveration (due to obvious incapacity and mental deficiency).
Disproportionately large head (awareness of his deterioration and disability).
Large, empty, poorly proportioned figures (organic inability to control the
drawing).
NOSOLOGICA Head in profile, trunk in front and legs in profile (organic confusion,
L DIAGNOSIS Organic deterioration).
TEST Confusion of profile and face (obvious organicity; seen more in schizoid
organs).
Thick and heavy line (organicity and sometimes a certain aggressiveness).
They rarely erase (organic inability to discriminate; they cannot improve what
they have done)
Protruding teeth in the mouth (oral aggressiveness).
Mouth represented by a thick broken line (aggression and sometimes
repressed or parallel repressed aggression: they explode from time to time).
Aggressive Penetrating eye (aggression; sometimes paranoid trait).
ness Hairy eyebrow (aggressiveness, masculinity).
Raised eyebrow (aggressiveness, irony).
Emphasis on the nostrils (aggressiveness, impulsiveness).
Shadowed hands (guilt for aggressive impulses).
Hands without fingers (in adults it is childhood aggression: tantrums).
Spear-shaped or heel-shaped toes (aggression).
Clenched fist (sometimes repressed aggression). Hand with carefully
articulated fingers, but enclosed by a line cutting off their possibilities of contact
(repressed aggression).
Long fingers (aggression).
Aggressiven More than five fingers on one hand (aggression and sometimes masturbation).
ess Fingers in the shape of a claw or a mechanical tool (aggression, sadism).
Large or kicking feet (aggressiveness).
Protruding toes (aggression).
Confining the toes within a line (repressed aggression).
Tie floating (sexual aggression).
NOSOLOGICA Heavy line (aggressiveness, stubbornness).
L DIAGNOSIS Vigorous shading (aggression, sadism).
TEST Concave or orally receptive mouth (dependence, orality).
They draw the female figure larger (dependency).
They draw a larger jaw on the woman (dependency).
Dependence Emphasis on buttons (dependency).
Emphasis on pockets (dependency).
Emphasis on the midline (dependence, fears, insecurity).
Row of buttons that are irrelevant (obvious dependency, insecurity).
Shading the breasts on the female figure (dependence, orality, fixation on the
maternal image)
Emphasis on the mouth (orality, dependency, experiences of fellatio and/or
cunnilingus). Emphasize the tongue (sexual impotence).
Cigarette in the mouth (oral eroticism).
Messy hair (sexual disorder).
Man with hat (sexual impotence).
Shadowed or cut nose (castration complex and fears about it due to
masturbation).
Excessively long nose (sexual impotence).
Big tie and fly (impotence, sexual preoccupation).
NOSOLOGICA Sexual Highlight the Adam's apple (impotence, sexual concern).
L DIAGNOSIS Difficulties Shaded hands (masturbation).
TEST Several Hands in his pockets (masturbation) and behind his back (masturbation?).
Hand in the genital region (masturbation).
Shaded or reinforced fingers (guilt from masturbation).
Index finger or thumb with a special, rigid layout (concern about
masturbation).
Highlight the crease in your pants (concern about masturbation).
Crossed out nose or hand separated from the arm (castration complex).
Amputated finger (castration complex and preoccupation with
masturbation).
Refuse to complete the drawing below the waist or only indicate that part of
the body with a few lines (sexual difficulties).
Draw them like skirts and then draw a line down the middle to give them
the appearance of pants (psychosexually immature men).
Well-painted man and hostile and mischievous woman, with crooked legs
(it is not known which is the front or the back) and muscular or masculine
(sexual difficulties or confusion in men)
Feet drawn like penises (sexual impotence and/or sexual preoccupation).
NOSOLOGICA Do not close the lower part of the trunk (sexual difficulties and/or fear).
L DIAGNOSIS Shaded and/or erased breasts (psychosexually immature men).
TEST Highlight the joints (psychosexual immaturity).
Sexual Emphasis on pockets (may indicate masturbation).
Difficulties Draw a very long or very short tie, and also draw big noses and feet
Several (concern and/or sexual impotence; exhibitionism).
Highlight the scarf on the jacket (concern and/or sexual impotence;
exhibitionism).
Tie floating (sexual aggression and preoccupation).
Shoe in the shape of a penis and/or with shading and changing lines
(sexual impotence). In adolescent women it indicates sexual impulses.
Pipe, cigar, gun and cane or umbrella (they can suggest sexual
preoccupation, except in children, who frequently draw bandits).
Sadists vigorously shade the sexual area of the female figure
Shading of the legs or delineation of them, generally in two dimensions,

through transparent pants (homosexual fear in men).
Homosexuality Prominent hips and buttocks (homosexual men). Also if they have
difficulties when drawing them.
Long jackets (men with homosexual conflicts).
Effeminate men place subtle lines on the skirt in the area of the genital
organs.
Sexual confusion (in homosexuals of both sexes).
Homosexuality Homosexuals (of both sexes) tend to draw the sex opposite to them first.
Thick lips (effeminacy).
Big eyes with eyelashes (homosexual men).
High heel (homosexuality in men).
Big head (delusions of grandeur, worry).
Emphasis on the eyes (delusions of persecution, worry).
NOSOLOGICA Furtive and suspicious eye (delusion of persecution).
L DIAGNOSIS Large, threatening eye (delusions of persecution, aggression).
TEST Paranoid Emphasis on the ears (ideas of reference, suspicions, delusions of
persecution).
Very long figure placed aggressively in the middle of the page
(aggressiveness, megalomania).
Tight figure with arms pressed to the body (internal tension, aggressiveness
ready to jump, withdrawal, self-absorption, attempt to control supposed
external influences).
Indication of internal organs and bones (poor sense of reality).
Drawing haphazardly (excitement, short attention span).
Disorders in symmetry (disorganization, poor discrimination).
Maniacs Extreme activity during drawing (excitement). It also, although less, happens
to hypomanics. Large and scattered figures (megalomania, lack of self-
criticism). Very thick lines (motor aggression).
They rarely erase (irresponsibility, little discrimination).
Weakness in contact traits (withdrawal, social inability, autism).

They draw bones and internal organs (little sense of reality).
Disorderly drawing (lack of self-criticism).
Psychotics Confusion of profile and face (mental confusion).
in General Strong and thick lines (the aggressive ones).
They rarely erase (irresponsibility, poor discernment).
Primitive and empty drawing (little sense of reality; sometimes mental
deterioration).
NOSOLOGICA Emphasis on the ears (when they are preoccupied with their auditory
L DIAGNOSIS hallucinations).
TEST
Facial expression reflecting autistic concern.
Moderate emphasis on the ears (feelings of insecurity and inferiority in the face
of criticism and the environment).
Woman with visibly highlighted hair and man with a hat (excessive concern
about personal appearance, insecurity regarding sexual differences between
Schizoid men and women, low virility, psychosexual immaturity).
Long and rather thin neck (little coordination between impulses -body- and
reason -head-, which they try to achieve; rigidity, personality split).
Highlight the situations (tendency towards unreality, struggle to evade feelings
of bodily disorganization).
Tendency to move, but remains blocked (fantasies, poor ability to achieve
adequate social contacts).

Row of buttons that are irrelevant (poor sense of reality, inadequate
attempts to control their emotional imbalances, inferiority, dependence).
Tight figure with arms tight to the body (attempt to control outside
Schizoid influences, internal tension, withdrawal, self-absorption, controlled
NOSOLOGICA aggressiveness, but ready to jump).
L DIAGNOSIS Thick and heavy line (aggressiveness).
TEST Prominent teeth in the mouth (seen more in simple schizophrenia,
psychoinfantilism, aggression).
Long and thin neck (poor coordination between impulses -body- and reason
-head-, dissociation of personality).
Omission of the arms (inability to social contact, autism).
Indication of bones and internal organs (psychotic regression, aggression,
sexual conflict, primitivism).
Schizophrenics Highlight the situations (unreality, body disorganization, personality
dissociation).
Draw the sexual organs (pathologically projected sexual conflicts, unreality).
This can also be seen in artists and in people undergoing psychoanalytic
treatment. Tendency to move, but remains blocked (autism). Drawing in
disorder (personality disorganization). Row of buttons that are irrelevant
(unreality, childishness, dependency).
Head in profile, trunk in front and legs in profile (confusion, deterioration).
Confusion of profile and face (regression, primitivism, psychotic confusion).
Very thick lines (excitement, aggressiveness).

Faded lines (long-standing chronic schizophrenics, psychotic deterioration).
They rarely erase chronic and impaired schizophrenics (irresponsibility,
poor discrimination).
Very small and simple figure (very regressive and deteriorated
schizophrenics, little mental energy, indicates a weak "I").
Schizophrenics Empty and simple figures (deterioration, psychotic regression).
Empty eye (psychotic regression).
Absurd comments (psychotic disorganization).
Doodles (regression, deterioration, psychotic confusion).
NOSOLOGICA Adding strange and incongruous things to the drawing (unreality, delusions,
L DIAGNOSIS hallucinations, psychotic confusion).
TEST In children from six to twelve years old (from Goodenough's work).
At least, the head and feet in profile and in the same direction.
Presence of some accessory features, such as: pipe, cigar, cane, umbrella,
Male house or stage, revolver.
characteristics Transparent pants. Presence of heels. Figure walking or running. Arms
extended to below the knee. Presence of tie.
Nose represented only by two points.
Feet less than 1/20 of the total body length.
feminine Eyes that have two or more of the following details: eyebrows, eyelashes,
characteristics pupils, iris. Very combed or neatly divided hair.
Mouth in the shape of "Cupid's bow". Indication of the cheeks. Flared pants
at the bottom. Head larger than the trunk.
Length of the arms no longer than the length of the head.
Curly hair. Legs no longer than 1/4 of the length of the trunk.

Adult Human Figure Test

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HUMAN FIGURE TEST (DFH) FOR ADULTS KAREN MACHOVER

ANALYSIS OF EXPRESSIVE RESOURCES

Omission Asthmatics can often omit the mouth.

piercing eyes They tend towards a socially aggressive attitude.

The man with homosexual inclinations, often very extroverted in his

On the head, chest, beard, mustache, it is generally considered an indication of virile

NOSE Excessively long It is often expressed in men with sexual impotence.

They indicate narcissism and psychosexual immaturity. It is

Evidence of sexual panic disorders, homosexual tendency; These

Breasts insistence Common in adolescent boys, and corresponds to their

Shading of the legs or delineation of them, generally in two dimensions,

Weakness in contact traits (withdrawal, social inability, autism).

HUMAN FIGURE TEST (DFH) FOR ADULTS KAREN MACHOVER

HUMAN FIGURE TEST (DFH) FOR ADULTS KAREN MACHOVER

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