House -Tree-Person (H-T-P)
Author and year
The House-Tree-Person (H-T-P) technique, developed by John Buck
(1948) and Emmanuel Hammer (1958), is one of the most widely used
projective tests for children and adults
Introduction
The House-Tree-Person Projective Drawing Test (HTP) can be
administered to children, adolescents, and adults, ages 3 and up. The
primary purpose of the HTP is to measure aspects of a person’s
personality through interpretation of drawings and responses to
questions. It provides clinically useful information about a person’s
psychological, emotional, and mental health status. It can be used as
part of a diagnostic battery and in treatment planning. The test can
also be used to assess brain damage and general mental functioning.
The quantitative measure of intelligence for the House-Tree-Person has
been shown to highly.
Objectives
The objectives of the House-Tree-Person test include:
1. Assessment of personality traits: The test aims to reveal an
individual’s personality characteristics, such as their level of anxiety,
aggression, or emotional stability.
2. Evaluation of cognitive development: The test assesses
cognitive functions like problem-solving skills, creativity, and cognitive
maturity.
3. Emotional functioning: The test analyzes an individual’s
emotional responses, coping mechanisms, and emotional regulation.
4. Self-perception and self-esteem: The drawings can reveal an
individual’s sense of self, self-worth, and body image.
5. Diagnostic tool: The test can be used to identify potential
psychological issues, such as depression, anxiety disorders, or
personality disorders
The test is widely used in clinical, educational, and research settings to
gain a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s psychological
dynamics.
Administration
The House-Tree-Person Projective Drawing Test (HTP) can be
administered to children, adolescents, and adults, ages 3 and up. The
primary purpose of the HTP is to measure aspects of a person’s
personality through interpretation of drawings and responses to
questions. It provides clinically useful information about a person’s
psychological, emotional, and mental health status. It can be used as
part of a diagnostic battery and in treatment planning. The test can
also be used to assess brain damage and general mental functioning.
The quantitative measure of intelligence for the House-Tree-Person has
been shown
Questions Examples
After the House: Who lives here? Is the occupant happy? What goes
on inside the house? What’s it like at night? Do people visit the house?
What else do the people in the house want to add to the drawing?
After the Tree: What kind of tree is this? How old is the tree? What
season is it? Has anyone tried to cut it down? What else grows nearby?
Who waters this tree? Trees need sunshine to live so does it get
enough sunshine?
After the Person is drawn: who is the person? How old is the
person? What do they like and dislike doing? Has anyone tried to hurt
them? Who looks out for them?
Test material
The test materials used in the House-Tree-Person (HTP) test include:
Paper (usually plain white paper)
Pencils or pens
Eraser
Sharpener
Drawing instruments optional: crayon, markers or color pencils.
The examiner provides the test materials and asks the individual to
draw a house, a tree and a person. The drawings and descriptions
provided by the individual are then used to assess their personality,
emotional functioning, and cognitive dynamics.
Behavioral Observation
The subject was in her comfortable attire and appeared to have good
hygiene. She wrote with her right hand. Seemed very friendly and
polite. She did not seem in a hurry, and she was conscious of what she
was drawing. She use the eraser and was rather drawing freehandedly
and carefree, her motivation for testing good therefore the tests are
considered a valid assessment of her psychological functioning.
Demographic Information
Name Z.A
F. Name A.A
Age 20
Gender Female
No of siblings 05
Scoring and Interpretation
The scoring and interpretation of the House-Tree-Person (HTP) test
involve a systematic evaluation of the drawings and descriptions,
considering various aspects such as size, shape, details, and
placement on the page. The examiner assesses the house, tree, and
person drawings separately, looking for indicators of emotional
functioning, personality traits, and cognitive dynamics. The drawings
are scored for various elements, such as integration, organization, and
creativity, providing a global score. The interpretation considers the
individual’s emotional expression, cognitive processing, and
personality characteristics, such as emotional stability, self-esteem,
and coping mechanisms. The examiner also looks for signs of
psychological distress, such as anxiety, depression, or cognitive
distortions. By integrating the drawing analysis with behavioral
observations and test scores, a comprehensive picture of the
individual’s psychological dynamics emerges, enabling informed
decisions in clinical, educational, or research settings.
Qualitative Interpretation
House Details
The subject made a single-story and house on the edge of the right
side of the paper which in her low energy, low insight, and that she is a
superficial optimistic person. She seems introverted. There is the
presence of a smoking chimney which suggests that she feels inner
tension/ anxiety in the home situation. The closed doors of the house
predict that she is not very so has a very guarded personality, she
emphasizes the door-knob which indicated that her excessive concern
about her interpersonal relations. She also drew strong walls which
show her strong ego strength. The window suggest that some aspects
of the environment feels like a prison. The clouds and sun mountains
shows the cool weather.
Post drawing Comments: When asked about the house it is a single-
story house that is located in a northern area. It is made up of bricks
and it belongs to someone else. It seems to be nearby and above her
sight. She said she wants to own this because it is peaceful and quiet.
She wanted to live in this house with someone she loved.
Tree Details
The subject has drawn a tree which suggests that she has not any kind
of aggressive tendencies. She drew many branches which signifies a
feeling of being overwhelmed by incoming stimuli and outside
pressures. There are many leaves on the branches which indicate her
racing thoughts and also suggests obsessive-compulsive tendency
Broad trunks show that subject is inhibited, and slow to comprehend.
The lack of roots and addition of e plants around the tree emphasizes
feelings of insecurity and a need for protection and balance.
Post drawing comments When asked about where tree located the
client responded by saying it is located at nowhere, she randomly drew
it. She said it’s a young tree, very strong and healthy. She said that the
tree is living because it’s green and lively, it is something you feel
beautiful and peaceful looking at. And the tree stand in a pleas
weather. It seems to be front and above her sight.
Man Details
The client has drawn a female figure. She drew straight hair which
signifies her aggressive tendencies, self centeredness, sexual
preoccupation, and compensation for fears of sexual inadequacy. There
is the omit ears which suggests that the subject is healthy with normal
adjustment, auditory hallucination and she minimizes contact with the
environment. The Pointed nose and full lips indicated her acting out
tendencies self-centered, sensual, and dependent behavior. She drew
squared shoulders which signifies that subject.
Post Drawing Comments When asked about who the person is she
said she drew her friend who is 20 years old and fond of teaching. She
is happy and satisfied in her life. She said one thing that her friend
needs is self confidence and need to see how strong and talented she
is.
Summary It is concluded that the subject’s performance on the House-
Tree Person Projective Test shows the continues themes of insecurity,
inadequacy, and aggressive nature. She is worried about her studies
and interpersonal relations. The subject appears to be dominated and
self-centered, she shows slight obsessive-compulsive tendencies.
References and Citations
Buck, J. N. (1966). The House-Tree-Person technique: Revised manual.
Beverly Hills: Western Psychological Services.
Goodenough, F. L. (1926). Measurement of intelligence by drawings.
New York: Harcourt, Brace and World.
Hammer, E. F. (1958). The clinical application of projective drawings.
Springfield: Charles Thomas.
