HTP
HTP
HTP
John N. Buck
Target test takers
Most suitable for individuals over 8 years of age
● projective personality test to get
details from an individual
regarding their experiences
After the procedure, the individual is evaluated for signs of psychopathology based on
the content of their drawing. However, a precaution is given due to the difficulty of
interpretation. It is important that the individual is properly trained and supervised.
Administration
Setting and time
● Client should be comfortable.
● Room is quiet and free from distractions.
● 30 to 90 minutes to administer and also depends on the requests of the
examiner
● 3 types of drawing are requested
Materials
● HTP Drawing Form
● Interpretation Booklet
● Pencil (No. 2)
● Crayons – red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, brown and black
● Clock, timer, or stopwatch
5. When the individual expresses his/her ability
Pencil Drawings remind that it is not a test of their artistic ability
just give their best and their best effort.
1. Present the HOUSE form, place the top at 6. No using of any straight edge material remind
the client’s point of view. that it is a freehand drawing.
2. House form should be presented 7. Record the following:
horizontally for proper evaluation while the A. Initial latency time (when the client
tree and person should be presented begins drawing after instructions were
vertically. completed
3. Test user should have a clear view of the B. Order of details drawn
page that the client is drawing – noting, C. Length of pauses and specific details
observation, and recording. being drawn when pauses occurs
4. Let the client choose a pencil and say: “I D. Spontaneous verbalizations or display
want you to draw the picture of a house. of emotion when something is being
You may draw any kind of house you drawn
wish, and do the best you can. You can E. Total time taken in completing the
erase as much as you like. You may take drawing.
as much time as you need just do your 8. When drawing the person, additional drawing
best.” may request, will eventually add 10-15
minutes.
The main purpose of this is too elicit information about the content and
context of their drawing. Any line of inquiring that is useful should be
given when individual permits.
● Unusual position, details and relationships should be noted and
investigated.
● Implied details such as basic components extending beyond page edge
should be investigated
● Details added during inquiry should be identified
● Post drawing inquiry section, ground line and sun are to be added.
Post-Drawing Inquiry
From manual:
House
● Would you like to own that house yourself?
Ask the individual to describe the differences between the house drawn and the
house he or she actually occupies, and the likelihood that he or she would ever own a
house similar to the one drawn
Tree
● Where is the tree actually located?
If the response is “in the woods” or “in a forest,” ask about the significance of the
wood or forest of the individual.
Person
● How does he/she feel?
Always ask “Why?” unless there is reason to believe that doing so will compromise
rapport
1. Features of drawings are
presented here. Check for
those that apply.
2. Record for the unusual
Interpretative pauses,
behaviors.
comments and
Proportion
1. Horizontal placement
2. Vertical placement
3. Central placement
General 4. Page turning
Drawing 5.
6.
Page quadrants
Page edges
10. Transparencies
11. Movement
12. Consistency
1. Essential details
General 2. Nonessential details
Drawing 3. Bizarre details
4. Detail dimensionality
Features 5. Detail shading
6. Detail sequence
Detailing
7. Detail emphasis
8. Line quality
● Clarify certain aspects that
are not clear, give the
individual the opportunity to
project feelings and attitudes.
● Average well-adjusted person