The Application of the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale in the Person-in-the-Rain Drawing Test

Abstract

The Person-in-the-Rain (PITR) drawing scoring system primarily assesses stress, excluding consideration of color usage. In contrast, the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS) effectively evaluates psychopathological disorders and provides a comprehensive assessment of color usage. This study aimed to: (1) develop an alternative scoring system for PITR by modifying FEATS, (2) explore the clinical significance of color in PITR by examining its relationship with Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21), and (3) determine if color mediates the relationship between DASS-21 and FEATS-based PITR ratings. We recruited 61 college students who completed PITR and DASS-21. PITR drawings were coded using modified FEATS. Findings suggest that the modified FEATS scoring system provides clinically meaningful information for assessing stress, coping mechanisms, anxiety, and depression.

Keywords:

• Anxiety
• colors
• depression
• Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale
• Person-in-the-Rain
• projective drawings

Disclosure Statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Pui-Kwan Au

Pui-Kwan Au, MPhil, is a Research Affiliate of the Neuropsychology Laboratory of the Counseling and Psychology Department;

Calvin Kai-Ching Yu

Calvin Kai-Ching Yu, PhD, is Professor and Head of the Department of Counseling and Psychology, Director of Neuropsychology Laboratory, and Co-Director of the Counseling and Research Center; and

Siu-Sing Wong

Siu-Sing Wong, MPhil, is a Research Affiliate of the Neuropsychology Laboratory of the Counseling and Psychology Department, all at Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Hong Kong SAR.