STUDY OF THE PERSONALITY OF A CHILD WITH MENTAL DEVELOPMENTAL DELAY USING THE HOUSE-TREE-PERSON PROJECTIVE TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Background. The article is dedicated to the use of projective techniques in the diagnosis of children with mental developmental delays. It highlights that initiating diagnostic assessments for these children is driven not only by challenges in mastering the school curriculum but also by difficulties in emotional regulation and building interpersonal relationships. Purpose. To investigate the way mental developmental delay (MDD) affects the development of interpersonal relationships and social interaction in children with MDD. By using various methods of personality assessment, we can identify the personality traits and behaviors characteristic of children with mental developmental delays and determine how these traits impact their social interactions within the family and adaptation in society. Materials and methods. The article substantiates the relevance of using drawing-based tests, specifically the House-Tree-Person technique, for diagnosing children with mental developmental delays. Examples of drawing analysis are provided, and the importance of a comprehensive study of the child’s personality is emphasized. Results. Drawings created by children with mental developmental delays often reveal their personality traits, including anxiety, guilt, a strong superego, emotional instability, and excessive impulsivity or, conversely, lethargy and apathy. The drawings also indicate issues in adaptation, socialization, and establishing interpersonal relationships. Most of the drawings reflect discomfort, tension, a tendency towards defensive reactions, or aggressive responses. EDN: RUXWCY

Keywords

• mental developmental delay
• children
• diagnosis of children
• projective techniques
• drawing-based tests
• drawing test analysis
• house-tree-person technique