Society Conference Reports for 2001

Winter Conference

February 2, 2001

Renate Griffiths
The Wartegg Drawing Test: Its Use in Combination with Handwriting Analysis and the Tree Test

The Wartegg-Zeichen Test (WZT) is a projective drawing test which, when used together with handwriting analysis and the Tree Test, reveals inner personality dynamics. The principles of the test are graphological in terms of stroke quality and psychological in terms of symbolic meaning and access to the unconscious. The process can be related to handwriting in terms of form, movement, space, and color.

Ms. Griffiths began by handing out copies of the WZT, and explaining how it works. The test is comprised of eight fields of pre-drawn motifs (symbolized drawings). For each one of the fields, test-takers are asked to make a drawing incorporating the motifs shown. Each field represents a facet of the personality: ego, flexibility, ambition, problem, tension, integration, sensitivity, and protection. Different groupings of fields can be evaluated together, symbolizing self-image, sociability, achievement, and general attitude. Ms. Griffiths further disclosed two important aspects of the analysis: how objects are drawn (graphics), which relates to regular handwriting analysis of such factors as movement, stroke, etc.; and what is drawn (content interpretation). Used in combination with Tree Test drawings, consideration is also given to the overall picture as drawn by the subject-for example, geometric/intellectual, static or dynamic-to arrive at a gestalt portrait of the individual. In the afternoon workshop, Ruth introduced a completed test sample, and discussed its interpretation with the audience.

Renate Griffiths has previously presented lectures to the Society on the Tree Test and Borderline and Narcissistic Personalities. She is the author of a book on early childhood disturbances in handwriting, and now, of The Wartegg Drawing Test. In addition to holding nursing and psychiatric nursing diplomas, she has an MSc in Health and Human Resources. She is past president of the Vancouver chapter of the American Handwriting Association Foundation, and has been certified by the National Society of Graphology and the National Association of Document Examiners.

Spring Conference

May 5, 2001

Marie-Therèsé Christians
Different Cultures in Handwriting

Information on important social and cultural influences on French, German/Swiss, English, Dutch, Danish/Swedish, Italian, Spanish and Belgian handwritings were discussed.

Commercial Handwritings

Ms. Christians described her research on profiles and handwritings of businessmen and women, dividing them into different scales according to the position. She explained, for instance, her basis for evaluating "a seller of a one way product," "the hunter" and "the knowledge transfer specialist." Marie-Thérèse Christians is Vice President of the Belgian Professional Graphologists' Association and General Secretary of ADEG, an association working on ethics for all European schools of graphology. She has extensive experience applying graphology for industry in Belgium.

Fall Conference

November 3, 2001

Patricia Siegel in collaboration with Dr. James Keehner
Personality Assessment System and Handwrting

The Personality Assessment System, developed by John Gettonger is based on the Wechsler Test Battery. A brief Introduction to the PAS included explanation of the basis for the system, its predictive value, three continuous dimensions (Intellectual, Emotional and Social) and the levels of development, compensations and modifications. Handwritings were shown to illustrate the PAS dynamics.