| Abstract: | This paper presents a systematic review that aims to identify studies using drawing techniques with maltreated children. The paper first introduces the relevant developmental theory relating to children's drawings and its application to practice. Studies using drawing techniques with maltreated children were identified from both the research and practice literature. These were summarized and compared. The evidence from the studies appears relatively inconclusive as to the value of children's drawings for the identification of possible maltreatment, although they do apparently help in aiding recall of important events. Drawings are widely used to assess maltreatment and neglect of children. However, researchers advocate caution in generalizing and interpreting drawings from children with differing experiences. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. |
