Desenho da Figura Humana: Avaliação da imagem corporal na deficiência física

Abstract

Draw-a-Person Test (DPT) evaluates psychodynamics and body image. Its use on people with physical disabilities is controversial, for there are organic and social issues that concern their body image. This article aims to review and discuss the DPT literature regarding this population. In a review, 15 papers from 1949 to 2016 were found that encompassed body image evaluation, group comparison and critiques concerning the technique. Unusual treatment of the limbs and upper body, and asymmetry were reported in the drawings, indicating difficulties with contact with the environment and body image integrity. Questions about the relationship between motor damage and a noticeable projection in the drawings were raised, warning professionals about the care needed to avoid biases in interpretations. The paper concludes that DPT provides clinical and scientific contributions, and raises questions to be discussed that need an update in the literature. Further studies may contribute to validate the use of the HFD as a projective technique.