The use of the DAP with conduct disorders.

Abstract

The Draw-A-Person (DAP) test has been one of the most controversial tests used by clinicians today. The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of the DAP. For this study, drawings of two groups of conduct disordered and non-conduct disordered males and females, aged 10-16, were compared for the presence of nine indicators. These indicators were monster-like/grotesque figure, omission of arms, big hands, clenched fists, talon-like fingers, teeth, slash-line mouth, and toes on a clothed figure. These indicators were determined by Machover (1949) and Koppitz (1968) as being related to aggressive tendencies. A chi-square was calculated for each indicator, and t-tests were computed to find overall significance between the groups. In the results, none of the t-tests or chi-squares reached significance, indicating no significant differences between the presence of indicators of conduct and non-conduct disordered were found. In addition, no significant differences were found to exist between genders. The results support the hypothesis that there is no significant difference between the drawings of conduct disordered and non-conduct disordered subjects. The most obvious conclusion that can be drawn from this study is that Machover and others are incorrect in stating these "indicators" actually detect aggressive/anti-social tendencies. In addition, it also suggests the use of drawings as a diagnostic tool is weak and subsequent research into the validity of the DAP is needed.