The use of drawings in the assessment and treatment of children of alcoholics.

This study explored the use of drawings as an assessment and communication tool for children of alcoholics and identified denial, poor self-image, powerlessness, and feelings of responsibility in these children.

Abstract

Abstract Children of alcoholics are more likely than children of nonalcoholics to develop alcohol-related, emotional, and physical problems. Many children of alcoholics also have difficulty expressing their feelings. This study explored the use of drawings as an assessment and communication tool. Ninety-seven spontaneous drawings of 10 school-aged children (ages, 5 to 11 years) were collected over a 6-month period. Denial, poor self-image, powerlessness, and feelings of responsibility were identified. The emotional and social development of these children was also questioned. Interventions to minimize negative feelings, including the use of drawing as an assessment and communication tool, are discussed.