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Evaluation of family drawings of physically and sexually abused children

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Abstract

Objective

The aim of this study is to analyse the family drawings of two groups of physically and/or sexually abused children as compared to the drawings of non-abused children of a matched control group.

Methods

The drawings by 12 physically abused, 12 sexually abused and 12 non-abused children, all aged between 5 years-old and 10 years-old, were assessed and compared. Family drawings were analysed using a specific Screening Inventory (FDI-Family Drawing Inventory). This Inventory takes into consideration such qualitative and quantitative variables as the quality of drawing, the children’s perception of their family members and their own perception of themselves within the family system.

Results

The results have shown significant differences between the abused minors and the control group. Abused children are more likely to draw distorted bodies, the human figure is usually represented devoid of details, their drawings generally show clear signals of trauma and the majority of the abused children are likely to exclude their primary caregiver from the drawings.

Conclusions

The “drawings of the family” of physically and/or sexually abused children significantly evidence a greater emotional distress then the drawings of the non-abused children of the matched control group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Developmental Psychiatry Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Trauma and Child Abuse Research Group, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, via Dei Sabelli, 108, Rome, 00185, Italy

    Francesca Piperno

  2. Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Trauma and Child Abuse Research Group, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, via dei Sabelli, 108, Rome, 00185, Italy

    Stefania Di Biasi

  3. Department of Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Rome “La Sapienza”, via dei Sabelli, 108, 00185, Rome, Italy

    Gabriel Levi

Authors
  1. Francesca Piperno
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  2. Stefania Di Biasi
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  3. Gabriel Levi
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Francesca Piperno.

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Piperno, F., Di Biasi, S. & Levi, G. Evaluation of family drawings of physically and sexually abused children. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 16, 389–397 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-007-0611-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-007-0611-6

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