Use of the Kinetic family drawing as a diagnostic tool in assessing family cohesion.

Abstract

Researchers (Mathis & Yingling, 1990; Olson, Russell, & Sprenkle, 1983) have found differences between family drawings made by children from functional and dysfunctional families. Children from dysfunctional families often have trouble with appropriate expression of their feelings and emotions. Additionally, families are often labeled as functional or dysfunctional without consenting criteria. Therefore, research is needed to understand differences between dysfunctional families which remain closely knit and those which are not close. This study compared scores obtained on the Kinetic Family Drawing (KFD) to those found on the Olson's Circumplex Model (FACES III). The family chosen for drawing (family of origin, foster family, idealized family, fantasy family, or other), substitutions, omissions or additions, the relative body-size, and the figure's mood and facial expression were also noted for general discussion. Participants were 20 boys and girls of divorced and non-divorced families from an alternative school in Kansas City, KS and 11 male and female students from a foster care organization in Emporia, KS. Ages ranged from six to 18 years old. Participants completed the Olson's Circumplex Model (FACES III) and the KFD. Interrater reliability was used to examine rater agreement on the KFD. A Pearson Chi-Square was utilized to determine the similarities between the final categorized scores on the KFD and the FACES III. Results