Mental health professionals' use of drawings in the assessment of children.

Abstract

This study examined the decisions made by mental health professionals when receiving background information and assessment information about a fictitious 8-year-old client. All participants received identical information except for information about a drawing. Group 1 received a drawing with some indicators of emotional problems and possible abuse according to one scoring system (Peterson & Hardin, 1997). Group 2 received a drawing without indicators. Group 3 did not receive a drawing. Analysis focused on decisions regarding symptoms/circumstances the client might be experiencing, possible referrals to be made, and the usefulness of the assessment information received. No significant differences were found regarding ratings made by the participants with the exception of the likelihood of making a referral for a neurological evaluation. Ratings of the likelihood of making a referral for a neurological evaluation were significantly lower for the participants who received a drawing with indicators than for either of the other two groups of participants.