The effects of stress on children's human figure drawings.

Investigated the effect of stress and preparation for stress on emotional indicators (EIs) of 68 children, aged 4 to 12 years, who were hospitalized for elective surgery. All children were asked twice to draw a human figure, once shortly after admission and again 90 minutes later. In the interim, they received stress (venipuncture or "blood test") or no stress (venipuncture delayed until after second drawing), and were either prepared (information, rehearsal and supportive care) or not prepared (free play) for the stressful situation. EIs increased only in the group tor mental age score of drawing. Pre- and post-measures of coping behavior and pulse also were assessed. EIs correlated with pulse taken at the time of the venipuncture. Examiners who interpret drawings by this method must consider the effect of current stress and the child's understanding of stress.