SELF-PROJECTION ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUALS WITH POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER THROUGH THE DRAW-A-PERSON TEST BASED ON MACHOVER’S THEORY

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that arises from traumatic experiences and is characterized by symptoms of intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal. In clinical psychology practice, assessment of individuals with PTSD can be conducted not only through interviews but also through projective approaches that emphasize nonverbal expression. One relevant instrument is the Draw-A-Person Test (DAP), developed based on the projection theory by Machover (1949). This test assesses the emotional and personality aspects of an individual through the interpretation of human figure drawings. Hammer (1958) added a clinical dimension to the application of graphic projective tests by emphasizing the importance of the emotional context of the drawing’s creator. This article discusses the application of Machover’s theory and Hammer’s perspective in revealing the psychological aspects of PTSD survivors, as well as reviewing two recent studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of graphic tests in understanding the emotional dynamics of trauma survivors. The review results indicate that the DAP can serve as an effective nonverbal communication bridge in identifying intrapsychic conflicts and repressed feelings in individuals with PTSD.