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Build-a-Person Technique: An Examination of the Validity of Human-Figure Features as Evidence of Childhood Sexual Abuse

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Build-a-Person Technique: An Examination of the Validity of Human-Figure Features as Evidence of Childhood Sexual Abuse
Authors: Williams, S.D, Wiener, J., MacMillan, H.
Source: Child Abuse and Neglect: The International Journal. Jun 2005 29(6):701-713.
Availability: Elsevier Customer Service Department, 6277 Sea Harbor Drive, Orlando, FL 32887-4800. Tel: 877-839-7126 (Toll Free); Fax: 407-363-1354; e-mail: usjcs@elsevier.com.
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2005
Document Type: Journal Articles
Descriptors: Validity, Projective Measures, Child Abuse, Sexual Abuse
DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2004.10.013
ISSN: 0145-2134
Abstract: Objective:: This exploratory study examined the discriminant validity of 10 human-figure features commonly used by many proponents of the draw-a-person (DAP) projective technique as evidence of childhood sexual abuse. Two exploratory features were also examined. Method:: Rather than drawing human figures, 64 children (M=8 years, 9 months), including 19 sexually abused children, 26 nonsexually abused but emotionally/behaviourally troubled children, and 19 nonabused, nonclinical children, were instructed to build male and female figures using groups of prefabricated pieces of human-figure body parts. Unbeknownst to the children, each group of parts contained a potential sexual abuse feature (or features). Results:: None of the human-figure features under examination, either individually, or in combination, distinguished the sexually abused group from the other two groups of children. Conclusions:: In accordance with years worth of DAP projective technique research, no support for the validity of the human-figure features under examination as evidence of childhood sexual abuse, was found.
Abstractor: Author
Entry Date: 2005
Accession Number: EJ698215
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Objective:: This exploratory study examined the discriminant validity of 10 human-figure features commonly used by many proponents of the draw-a-person (DAP) projective technique as evidence of childhood sexual abuse. Two exploratory features were also examined. Method:: Rather than drawing human figures, 64 children (M=8 years, 9 months), including 19 sexually abused children, 26 nonsexually abused but emotionally/behaviourally troubled children, and 19 nonabused, nonclinical children, were instructed to build male and female figures using groups of prefabricated pieces of human-figure body parts. Unbeknownst to the children, each group of parts contained a potential sexual abuse feature (or features). Results:: None of the human-figure features under examination, either individually, or in combination, distinguished the sexually abused group from the other two groups of children. Conclusions:: In accordance with years worth of DAP projective technique research, no support for the validity of the human-figure features under examination as evidence of childhood sexual abuse, was found.
ISSN:0145-2134
DOI:10.1016/j.chiabu.2004.10.013