The Childhood Hand that Disturbs Projective Test

Book excerpt: The Childhood Hand that Disturbs (CHaD), a new projective test, is a diagnostic and therapeutic tool that is broadly applicable, but particularly effective with abused, depressed, and suicidal subjects. While the CHaD has the advantage of being quick and easy to administer--it takes an average of ten minutes to perform--it is reliable and applicable to both young and old. It is a useful complement to traditional batteries such as the Rorschach and Draw-a-Family, and self-assessment questionnaires. What makes the CHaD different is that it is a free drawing exam, and one that taps one of the most highly symbolic parts of the body: the hand. The CHaD has been tested on normal and pathological individuals for over ten years. Clear guidelines can now be set down for administration, testing, and interpretation. Obviously, a projective test can never be more sensitive than the professional who uses it, but it is Davido's intention that the theoretical underpinnings and her presentations of case studies along with the drawings will help other practitioners deal better with the needs of their patients.