Report Graphology: Handwriting analysis
Made By: Aakash Kumar Rajput Isha Jain Nidhi Gahlot
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601/MP/11 627/MP/11 638/MP/11
Contents 1. Introduction, 4 2. How graphology helps, 5-6 2.1 Employment profiling, 5 2.2 Psychological analysis, 5 2.3 Marital compatibility, 5 2.4 Medical diagnosis, 5 2.5 Jury screening, 5 2.6 Graphotherapy, 5 2.7 Forensic document examination, 6 2.8 Divination, 6 3. Science involved behind graphology, 6 4. How graphology experts analyze handwriting, 7 5. History behind graphology, 7 6. Graphology -an introductory guide to handwriting features, 6.1 Slant, 8 6.2 Size, 8 6.3 Pressure, 8 6.4 Upper zone or case, 9 6.5 Lower zone, 9 6.6 Word spacing, 9 6.7 Line spacing, 9 6.8 Page margins, 10 6.9 Middle zone or case, 10 6.10 Arcade, 10 6.11 Garland, 10 6.12 Angle, 11 6.13 Thread, 11 6.14 Wavyline, 11 7. Summary, 12 8. Bibliography & References, 13, 14 9. Index, 15 10. Appendix A – Approaches, 16 11. Appendix B – Training, 17 12. Glossary, 18
Preface The primary objective of this report is to discuss the meaning, origin, history, significance and most importantly science behind “graphology: handwriting analysis”. With this objective in view, the report is divided into related topics and
then further subtopics, being discussed. The report is being designed as a part of curriculum for MA 220, 4th semester, under Netaji Subhas Institute I nstitute Technology, Delhi University. We would like to thank our subject teacher, Ms. Arun Dhuru Kumar for having us assist the format, procedure and relevance of report-writing. We also express deep gratitude for NSIT, DU. The material is well selected to meet the the interests of readers readers of this report. All errors, obsolete pieces of information, authenticity and relevance to the topic have been taken care of. The authors welcome any constructive criticism and will be grateful for any appraisal by the readers.
AAKASH KUMAR RAJPUT ISHA JAIN NIDHI GAHLOT
ABSTRACT Graphology or handwriting analysis is based on the notion that because handwriting is unique to the individual, certain inferences can be made about a person’s character and behavior from the specific features. The debate over the
value of graphology as an assessment tool has been conducted over a number of years. Even though though the scientific scientific researches researches are not encouragin encouraging, g, some reports, however, suggested that graphology is quietly gaining acceptance. acceptance. While it is undeniable that graphology is an interesting and sometimes useful procedure, its validity is a matter of public debate and uncertainty, and the use of graphology tests in personality assessment is a personal choice made by Individual or company. This report briefly reviews the background of graphology, graphology in career guidance and discusses general issues related to the use of graphology. An overview of computerized computerized handwriting analysis systems available in the market is also presented and compared for better understanding of graphology.
Introduction Graphology - the study of handwriting and handwriting analysis – is an accepted and increasingly used technique. By examining a handwriting sample, an expert graphologist is able to identify identify relevant features of the handwritten handwritten script, and the way the features interact. The given report throws light on how handwriting analysis is an effective and reliable indicator of personality and behavior, and so is a useful tool for many organizational processes, for example: recruitment, interviewing and selection, team-building, counseling, and career-planning. The report trys to establish a basic foundation of the topic by discussing history about origin and spread of graphology, the science behind it and how graphologists analyse handwriting to identify character traits of an individual. individual. The report proves the significance of context by bringing forth the benefits, key role and zone of ease graphology can establish in one’s daily life. Finally, the report ends up by actually performing handwriting analysis wherein it links features like slants, size, pressure applied while writing, word spacing, line spacing, page margins, angles or curves, etc in an individual’s writing to his personality and characteristics.
A company takes a writing sample provided by an applicant, and proceeds to do a personality profile, matching the congruency of the applicant with the ideal psychological profile of employees in the position. A graphological report is meant to be used in conjunction with other tools, such as comprehensive background checks, practical demonstration or record of work skills. Graphology supporters state that it can complement but not replace traditional hiring tools.
Graphology has been used clinically by some European counselors and psychotherapists. When it is used, it is generally used alongside other projective personality assessment tools, and not in isolation. isolation. It is often used within individual psychotherapy, couples' therapy, or vocational counseling.
In its simplest form only sexual expression and sexual response are examined. At its most complex, every aspect of an individual is examined for how it affects the other individual. The basic theory is that after knowing and understanding how each other is different, any commitment that is made will be more enduring. Typically done for couples, it is not unknown for a polyamorous group group to obtain a report prior to the commitment ceremony of a new individual. In cultures where arranged marriages are common, graphology can be used as an additional checkpoint on the compatibility of the couple prior to the elders giving their consent for the marriage to take place.
Medical graphology is probably the most controversial aspect of handwriting analysis. Strictly speaking, such research is not graphology as described throughout this article but an examination of factors per taining to motor control. Research studies have been conducted in which a detailed examination of handwriting factors, particularly timing, fluidity, pressure, and consistency of size, form, speed, and pressure are considered in the process of evaluating patients and their response to pharmacological therapeutic agents. The study of these phenomena is a by-product of researchers investigating motor control processes and the interaction of nervous, anatomical, and biomechanical systems of the body.
This is the practice of changing a person's handwriting with the goal of changing features of his or her personality. It was pioneered in France during the nineteen-thirties, spreading to the United states in the late fifties. The therapy consists of a series of exercises which are similar to those taught in basic calligraphy courses, sometimes in conjunction with music or positive self-talk. There have been anecdotal reports of these exercises curing everything from drug addictionto anorexia nervosaa nervosaand back to borderline personality disorder. disorder.
Forensic document examination The discipline of forensic document doc ument examination is also known as questioned document examination within the judicial system. With respect to handwriting examinations, examinations, the discipline tries to address address the question of whether or not a document was written by the person who is thought to have written it. As such, this is not an aspect of graphology. Goodtitle Drevett v Braham 100 Eng Rep 1139 (1792) is reportedly the first case at which the testimony of a
questioned document examiner was accepted.
Divination Some individuals believe that one can tell the future from handwriting analysis. Others believe that a handwriting analyst can provide spiritual guidance on situations that they face. These beliefs are claimed to be false for reasons ranging from the complete lack of either scientific or anecdotal evidence, to the application of Aristotelian of Aristotelian logic to any of the numerous (and mutually incompatible) theories of handwriting analysis. Most graphologists reject supernatural insights from their assessment of handwriting. The code of ethics for the International Graphoanalysis Society , British Association of Graphology and Association Déontologique Européenne de Graphologie prohibits the p ractice of anything related to the occult occult..
is thepseudoscientificstudy thepseudoscientificstudy and analysis of handwriting of handwriting,, especially in relation to human psychology . In the medical field, the word can be used to refer to the study of handwriting as an aid in diagnosis and tracking of diseases of the brain and nervous system. Graphology is based upon the following basic assertions.
When we write, the ego is active but it is not always active to the same degree. Its activity waxes and wanes; being at its highest level when an effort has to be made by the writer and at its lowest level when the motion of the writing organ has gained momentum and is driven by it. When the action of writing is comparatively difficult, the writer uses those forms of letters which are simpler or more familiar. The muscular movements involved in writing are controlled by the central nervous system. system. The form of the resultant writing movement is modified further by the flexibly assembled coordinative structures in the hand, arm, and a nd shoulder; which follow the principles of dynamical of dynamical systems. systems. The specific writing organ (mouth, foot, hand, crook of elbow) is irrelevant if it functions normally and is sufficiently adapted to its function. The neurophysiological mechanisms which contribute to the written movement are related to conditions within the central nervous system and vary in accordance with them. The written
strokes, therefore, reflect both transitory and long term changes in the central nervous system such as Parkinson's disease, disease, or alcohol usage.
The movements and corresponding levels of muscular tension in writing are mostly outside of conscious control and subject to the ideomotor effect. effect. Emotion, mental state, and biomechanical factors such as muscle stiffness and elasticity are reflected in a person's handwriting. One must examine the handwriting or drawing movements by considering them as movements organized by the central nervous system and a nd produced under biomechanical and dynamical constraints. Given these considerations, graphologists proceed to evaluate the pattern, form, movement, rhythm, quality, and consistency of the graphic stroke in terms of psychological interpretations. Such interpretations vary according to the graphological theory applied by the analyst. Most schools of thought in graphology concur that a single graphological element can be a component of many different clusters, with each cluster having a different psychological interpretation. The significance of the cluster can be assessed accurately by tracing each component of the cluster back to their origins and adapting the meaning of the latter to the conditions of the milieu in which the form appears.
Elaine Quigley BA Hons., MBIG Dip, a leading expert graphologist, and chair of the British Institute of Graphologists describes graphology is 'brain writing' - the ha ndwriting comes directly from the writer in a uniquely personal and individual way, irrespective of how the person has been taught to write: an expert graphologist understands the styles of the different countries and languages and makes allowances for 'taught' influences. Also largely irrelevant to the actual analysis is the content of the written text. The science of graphology uses at least 300 different handwriting features in its investigative approach. The graphologist's interpretation skill is in the psychological art of understanding the particular blend of handwriting features - an expert is able to see the writer 'step off the page'. A person's handwriting - the script - and its placing on the page express the unique impulses of the individual: logically, the brain sends signals along the muscles to the writing implement they control. By examining a handwriting sample, an expert graphologist is able to identify relevant features of the handwritten script, and the way the features interact. The features, and interaction between them, provide the information for the analysis. analy sis. (No single handwriting sample will exhibit all 300 different features of course - a typical analysis will involve far less).
Graphology is actually a very old and respected science - the study of handwriting and its analysis was first developed by the Chinese 3,000 years y ears ago. The Romans used graphology, and through the centuries since then various civilizations and cultures have analyzed handwriting to identify the essence of the person who produced it. The modern approach to handwriting analysis was established by a group of French clerics, led by Abbe Michon, who defined key aspects of the science in the 1870s, after 30 years of study. This work formed the basis of modern graphology, although the science is still being researched and expanded today.
Here is an attempt to explain some of the basic ones that can be readily understood and which give interesting information.
Right slant indicates a response to communication, but not how it takes place. For example, the writer may wish to be friendly, manipulative, responsive, intrusive, to sell, to control, to be loving, supportive, just to name some possibilities. possibilities. If the handwriting is generally upright, this indicates independence. A left slant tendency shows emotion and reserve. This writer needs to be true to self first and foremost and can be resentful if others try to push for more commitment from them.
Handwriting is made up of three zones - or cases - middle, upper and lower. A basic average measure or benchmark - by which size can be judged is 3mm per zone. This gives a benchmark for a non remarkable full height of 9mm. More than this is large; less than this is small. Large size handwriting can mean extravert and outgoing, or it can mean that the writer puts on an act of confidence, although this behavior might not be exhibited to strangers.
Small size can, logically, mean the opposite. Small size handwriting can also indicate a thinker and an academic, depending upon other features in the script. If the writing is small and delicate, the writer is unlikely to be a good communicator with anyone other than those on their own particular wavelength. These people do not generally find it easy to break new ground socially.
Heavy pressure indicates commitment and taking things seriously, but if the pressure is excessively heavy, that writer gets very uptight at times and can react quickly to what they might see as criticism, even though none may have been intended. These writers react first and ask questions afterwards. Light pressure shows sensitivity to atmosphere and empathy to people, but can also, if the pressure is uneven, show lack of vitality .
Tall upper strokes are reaching towards goals and ambitions or, if they are very extended, there may be unrealistic expectations of what the person feels they must achieve. If there are reasonably proportioned upper zone loops, this indicates someone who likes to think things through and use their imagination in a sensible way. Wider upper zone loops indicate more of a tendency to dream up ideas and mull them over. If the up-stroke goes up and then returns on top of itself, the writer may be squeezing out imagination and keeping to the basic requirement of getting down to the job in hand.
Lower loops are also varied and have different meanings. For example a straight stroke shows impatience to get the job done. A 'cradle' lower stroke suggests an avoidance of aggression and confrontation. A full loop with heavy pressure indicates energy/money-making/sensuality energy/money-making/sensuality possibilities, subject to correlation with other features. A full lower loop with light pressure indicates a need or wish for security.
If there are many and varied shapes in the lower zone, the writer may feel unsettled and unfocused emotionally. Again the handwriting analyst would look for this to be indicated by other features in the script.
The benchmark by which to judge wide or narrow spacing between words is the width of one letter of the person's handwriting. Wide spaces between words are saying - 'give me breathing space'. Narrow spaces between words indicate a wish to be with others, but such writers may also crowd people and be intrusive, notably if the writing lacks finesse.
Handwriting samples are always best on unlined paper, and particularly for exhibiting line-spacing features. Wide-spaced lines of handwriting handwriting show a wish to stand back and take a long view. Closely spaced lines indicates that that the writer operates close to the action. For writers who do this and who have writing that is rather loose in structure, the discipline of having to keep cool under pressure brings out the best in them.
The sides of the page each have a meaning. The left side margin shows the roots and beginnings/family. The right side shows other people and the future. The top is goals and ambitions. The foot of the page shows energy, instincts and practicality. Therefore margins are very informative. If the writer has a wide left margin, the interest is in moving on. If it is narrow, caution and wanting to avoid being pushed before they are ready is indicated. Narrow right margin shows impatience and eagerness to get out there and on with things.
Wide right margin shows that there may be some fear of the unknown.
These middle zone shapes can give some particularly interesting i nteresting information. The middle zone in the script represents the ego - from it we get a lot of information as to how the writer feels and acts in public settings - what makes them tick socially and at work. Some people's handwriting consists of only one single sty le, but many people will have a mixture of two handwriting styles or more. Again this provides useful information. All of these features have potentially positive and negative connotations; the analyst uses the flow and facility (ease, smoothness) of the script to infer a positive or negative interpretation.
This means that the middle zone of the writing is humped and rounded at the top like a series of arches. It is in the basic style of copy-book, though it is not taught in all schools. Writers who use this can be loyal, protective, independent, trustworthy and methodical, but negatively they can be secretive, stubborn and hypocritical when they choose. The most important characteristic is group solidarity against outsiders.
Garland is like an inverted 'arcade' and is a people-orientated script. These writers make their m's, n's and h's in the opposite way to the arcade writer, like cups, or troughs, into which people can pour their troubles or just give information. The Garland writer enjoys being helpful and likes to be involved.
Angled middle zone is the analytical style, the sharp points, rather than curves, give the impression of probing. The angle writer, is better employing talents at work and for business or project purposes, rather than nurturing, which is the strength of the garland writer.
Thread handwriting is like unravelled wool, waiting to be made up into something fresh. These writers are mentally alert and adaptable, but can also be elusive and lack patience. They are responders, rather than initiators. They can be very clever at drawing together strands of information and making something of them. Therefore they observe and bide their time, so that decisions are made at the most appropriate moment.
Wavyline handwriting is usually written by people who are mentally mature and skilful. It shows that they can call on a variety of responses, to suit the occasion and indicates good coping mechanisms. mechanisms. They are adaptable and resourceful.
Summary
Graphology is the study and analysis of handwriting especially in relation to human psychology. It offers the possibility of identifying personality dynamics. Handwriting analysis is an excellent diagnostic tool by which behavioral patterns and tendencies and much more can be detected and identified. Handwriting features like slanting, upper zone, lower zone, pressure, word spacing, angle etc. can be used to understand aperson’s personality .The slants in handwriting give initial in itial yet important understanding to person personality.The slant shows who isfriendly, manipulative, responsive and intrusive. Heavy pressure handwriting indicates commitement and large size handwriting indicates extravert, outgoing and small size can logically means it’s opposite. In the medical field, it can be used to refer to the study of handwriting as an aid in diagnosis and tracking of diseases of the brain and nervous system. The term is sometimes incorrectly used to refer to forensic document examination. Graphology has been a controversial field for more than a century. Although supporters point to the anecdotal evidence of thousands of positive testimonials as a reason to use it for personality evaluation, most empirical studies fail to show the validity claimed by its supporters agree with the model of the slants as it applies to them.
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References "Barry Beyerstein Q&A" . Ask the Scientists . Scientific American Frontiers. Retrieved 2008-0222. "they simply interpret the way we form these various features on the page in i n much the same way ancient oracles interpreted the entrails of oxen or o r smoke in the air. I.e., it's a kind of magical divination or fortune telling where 'like begets like.'" James, Barry (3 August 1993). "Graphology Is Serious Business in France : You Are What You Write?".. New York Times . Retrieved 18 September 2010. Write?" Kopp, W; Paulson, G; Allen, J; Smeltzer, F; Brown, F; Koss, W (1970), "Parkinson's Disease: Ldopa Treatment and Handwriting Areas", Current Therapeutic Research (3): 115 – 124. 124.
Ludewig, R; Lewinson, T S; Lewinson, TS (1992), "Profiles and Limits of Medical Graphology", Z Gesamte Inn Med (12): 549 – 557, 557, PMID 1285461 1285461.. Iannetta, Kimon (2005), Jury Consultant , archived from the original on April 16, 2008, retrieved 2008-06-22. 6. de Sainte Columbe, Paul (1966), Grapho Therapeutics: Pen and Pencil Therapy (1st (1st ed.), Hollywood, CA: Laurida Books de Sainte Columbe, Paul (1972), Grapho Therapeutics: Pen and Pencil Therapy (2nd ed.), Hollywood, CA: Paul de St Columbe Center Laufer, Ron (1991), AHAF Convention , Tucson, AZ
anatomical 6 anorexia nervosa 7 arcade 12 biomechanical systems 6
borderline personality disorder 7 dynamical systems 8 extravert 9 graphoanalysis 17 graphological report 5 ideomotor effect 8 occult 7 polyamorous 5 psychotherapy 5
Approaches There are three approaches to graphology: the integrative approach, the holistic approach, and the symbolic.
This approach holds that specific stroke structures relate to personality personality traits. traits. Most systems within this approach use a cluster of stroke formations, to score a specific personality trait. Systems that fall under this umbrella are: fixed signs , trait stroke , French System and Graphoanalysis Graphoanalysis.. It has been described as starting from the inside, and working to the outside.
This is commonly, but incorrectly referred to as Gestalt Graphology . Gestalt graphology was a system of handwriting analysis developed circa 1915 in Germany Germany and and was related theoretically to Gestalt psychology . In this approach (Holistic Graphology) a profile is constructed on the basis of form, movement and space. It has been described as starting from the outside, and working to the inside. In this approach, individual traits, such as legibility, are not assigned specific meanings, but can take on different meanings depending on the overall context.
In this approach, one looks for symbols seen in the handwriting. This can be either , or .
is the meaning ascribed to the stroke, as it related to the page. ascribes a meaning to the stroke, depending upon the picture that the stroke draws. For example, John example, John Wayne' Wayne's signature shows a blackened out portion, that represents his lung cancer. cancer.
Four academic institutions around the world currently offer an accredited degree in handwriting analysis:
The University of Urbino, Urbino, Italy: MA (Graphology)
Instituto Superior Emerson, Buenos Aires, Argentina: BA (Graphology) (Gr aphology)
Centro de Estudios Superiores (CES) Buenos Aires, Argentina: BA (Graphology)
Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona , Barcelona: Spain: MA (Graphology)
Between 1940 and 1995, New School for Social Research, Research , in New York City, offered a diploma in Graphology. At its peak, the diploma course took 8 semesters, and also included Forensic Document Analysis. Analysis. This diploma did not have academic accreditation. Training in the United States is currently available through correspondence courses. The quality of instructions varies considerably
- marked by or showing extensive understanding - the quality or state of agreeing. - emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts. - relating to multidisciplinary. - intruding or tending to intrude. – the the branch of physiology that deals with the functions of the nervous system. -is a methodology belief or practice that is claimed to be scientific. -a union of interests, purposes, or sympathies among members of a group; fellowship of relationship and interests.
