Investigation of child-family relations using family drawing in kindergarten children in Kaunas

Abstract

Aim:

Child – Family relations studied using family drawing method reveal risk factors of a future mental disorders development and other psychological problems in preschool children.

Methods:

The pupils from 12 kindergarten (n=161, 85 boys, 76 girls, age 3-6 years) were tested during the “Teddy bear hospital“project carried out by Lithuanian Medical Students' Association. The priority, accuracy of depiction and collocation of family members in the drawing were evaluated. Software package SPSS 10.0 was used for data processing.

Results:

31,1% of all children drew themselves as the first object. 56% of these children were in age 5-6 years. Possibly the self perception of the group is underdeveloped. 21.1% of all children didn't drew themselves at all. That suspects their weak relation with the family. The mother and the child himself – were clearly emphasized in 60.3% of the drawings. 31.1% drew themselves and 29.2% - drew the mother as the first object. The tendency of the girls to identify themselves with the mother and for the boys – with the father was clearly expressed. Integral bodies (all big parts of the body) were depicted in 57.1% of all drawings. 63% of such drawings were made by elder children.

Conclusions:

Family drawing test revealed underdeveloped self perception of investigated population. Stronger relation of girls with their mothers and boys with their fathers was clearly expressed. Age related development of intellectual level of the child was reflected by integral body drawing.