Comparison of «draw-a-person» test elements in oppositional defiant disorder and normal children

Abstract

Introduction: The present study evaluated the ability of possible components of Draw-A-Person (DAP) test in distinguishing oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Method: 60 students (30 males 30 females) from 16 randomly selected schools in Tehran who had received scores above the cut off point on ODD subtest of child behavioral check list (CBCL) and teacher report form (TRF) were selected as the subjects of the study. They ranged from 7 to 10 years old. 60 other students from the same schools, compatible in age and sex, who scored below the cut off point on CBCL and TRF served as the control group. Both groups were administered DAP test. Data was analyzed by chi-square to compare groups across components of DAP. Results: ODD group rated significantly higher than the control group in 18 components of DAP (p