Research Article

Association of Synthetic House-Tree-Person Drawing Test and Depression in Cancer Patients

Table 6

Explanation and psychological meaning of major S-HTP drawing features.

Drawing featuresExplanationPsychological meaning

D8 Simple houseNo other description on the house except for the basic features of walls, doors, and windowsAvoidance and pessimistic psychology, and depression

D17 Simple person drawingAbsence of particular detail Avoidance and pessimistic psychology, and depression

D20 Poker faceNo expression on the face Avoidance and pessimistic psychology, and depression

D4 Scribbled drawingThe painting was scribbledPoor emotional control and inner distress

D5 Decorated drawingOther embellishments to the drawing besides house, tree, and person, such as sun, flowers, lawns, animals, etcExperienced lonely and depression, eager for social support, care and accompany

D1 Small drawing sizeThe size of the drawing is less than 1/3 compared with the whole paper areaInferiority complex and self-inhibition, a tendency to regression, and an absence of mental drive

D2 Weak strength drawingThe strength of lines is weakLack of mental motivation and self-confidence, bad mood, the inner energy is missing and the ability of self-control is weak

D3 Simplified drawingUse of a single line or outline in the drawingAvoidance psychology

D6 Lines jagged and not joinedLines jagged and more than two breaks on one lineInnermost feelings are very fragile

D9 Decorated houseThe house is decorated, as in addition to the house, but also painted sidewalks, etcDepressed and lonely, and hope to get more social support, attention, and accompany

D10 Very small doorThe door is less than 1/4 of the wallIntroverted and withdrawn

D14 Dead treeNo tree-crown or no leaves on the branchesLow psychological energy level

D23 Head drawn very carefullyEmphasizes hairstyle, hair ornament and hat on headInner fantasy