Analyzing drawings of children who are physically ill and hospitalized, using the ipsative method.

Children use drawings and pictorial representations as a way of expressing their feelings about themselves and their world. The ipsative method for analyzing drawings is an excellent way for a child health professional to assess and monitor a child's emotional and developmental progress during a physical illness or hospitalization. Case examples illustrate the ipsative method. Specific guidelines for the clinical use of children's drawings are given.