Exploring the Validity of Graphology with the Rorschach Test

Abstract

Considered by some as a personality assessment technique, graphology is defended by its partisans but finds little solid scientific base. Our research (N = 45) compares the judgment of graphologists (k = 2) and 13 graphological variables with 13 variables of the Rorschach test according to the comprehensive system. The average reliability of graphologists’ judgments was .43. Their average validity was .05. Sixteen correlations were significant (p < .05) between graphological variables and Rorschach variables. Some are compatible with graphological theories. Others are random or difficult to understand. Great caution is essential in the isolated use of graphology as a personality assessment technique.