Graphoanalysis is the study of the individual strokes of handwriting to determine the character and personality of the writer. It is a method of identifying and evaluating the traits of personality. It is based on the interpretation of expressive gestures, and the expressive gestures in this case are the strokes of handwriting. The similarity among a person's handwriting, opposite-hand writing, foot writing, crook-of-the-elbow writing and teeth writing was established in the 19th century. From this research, the expression "handwriting is brainwriting", and thereby, "all writing is brainwriting", originated. Consider the uniqueness of individual artists' painted strokes on canvas, enabling others to identify the works created by certain individuals.
What is the difference between Graphoanalysis and graphology?
Graphology is simply the generic term for all forms and systems of handwriting analysis. Graphoanalysis is a specific, trademarked term that applies only to the system taught by the International Graphoanalysis Society. It is the only system of handwriting analysis that can produce any scientific validation data. Additionally, it is the only system sponsored by a worldwide organization and requiring its practitioners to abide by a code of ethical practice.
What is the International Graphoanalysis Society (IGAS)?
The International Graphoanalysis Society is the largest functioning body of handwriting analysts in the world, consisting of 56,000 graduates and students. It is a professional association that trains Graphoanalysts, performs continuing research in the field of handwriting analysis and serves in an advisory and supervisory capacity to the various state chapters.
In the medical professions, including psychiatry, doctors are utilizing handwriting analysis to better understand their patients. It is widely applied in individual and family counseling, especially pertaining to pre-marriage counseling and unhappy marriages. It is used in school systems to aid disturbed children and poor achievers. In business and industry, handwriting analysis is used in personnel placement, credit applications and promotional decisions. In addition, graphoanalysis is used to understand the criminal mind by seeking clues in apprehending lawbreakers, assisting parole officers and juvenile delinquency authorities.
How accurate is Graphoanalysis?
A large number of statistical studies in handwriting analysis have been compiled over a period of more than fifty years, both within and outside the International Graphoanalysis Society. In these research studies, graphoanalytical assessments have been compared with the results obtained through psychological tests in common use. In many cases there was found to be a significant positive correlation in personality assessment. We utilize the scientific method: a problem is identified, relevant data are gathered, a hypothesis is formulated from these data, and the hypothesis is empirically tested. The graphoanalysis report is then further validated by the individual's response to it, how accurate it appears to his family and close associates and the extent to which it helps him to understand his tendencies and attitudes. It has proved to be a highly accurate portrait of the writer's personality.
What is the difference between a Graphoanalyst and a Questioned Document Examiner?
Graphoanalysis is considered a branch of applied psychology. A Graphoanalyst deals with a series of personality traits as reflected in the strokes of handwriting, indicative of the character and personality of the writer.
The field of questioned documents is a separate entity with its own technical and professional requirements. In questioned document work, only the physical aspects of stroke structures such as slant, weight and details of the strokes are considered. Types of paper, ink and typewritten specimens are considered. There is no reference to personality assessment.
Is handwriting analysis considered an invasion of privacy?
No. The Supreme Court has issued several decisions concerning handwriting, upheld in each that handwriting, like speech, voice characteristics and facial expression, being constantly exposed to public view, is not within the expectation of privacy. The Supreme Court also held that the compelled production of handwriting exemplars (specimens) does not violate Fifth Amendment self-incrimination protection.
What cannot be discerned from handwriting?
Gender, race, age, handedness, sexual preference or religion cannot be determined from handwriting. Graphoanalysis, therefore, is truly a nonbiased assessment. Analysis of handwriting can neither predict future behavior nor diagnose disease.
Why does the handwriting of a person appear to change somewhat over time?
Factors such as progressive physical maturity of children, emotional variation affecting mood, certain health afflictions or periods of stress may affect the appearance of writing strokes. Fundamental strokes defining the character tend to remain unchanged; however, strokes indicating emotional variations may vary appreciably. A single handwriting sample resembles a "snapshot" of the personality at that specific moment. Additional samples collected over time yield a more accurate picture of the writer's personality.
How ancient is handwriting analysis?
Roots of Graphoanalysis trace back to antiquity. Picture writing on stones and clay tablets, inscribed before the invention of the alphabet, is studied today for the personality glimpses these etchings give of their prehistoric writers. Possibly the earliest recorded reference to handwriting analysis was Aristotle (384-322 B. C.) when he wrote that handwriting is a symbol of speech and speech is a symbol of mental experience. We can infer from this that thought and personality are mirrored in a person's handwriting.
Are there desirable and undesirable traits?
Handwriting traits are not considered as "good" or "bad" in and of themselves. A personality consists of hundreds of traits, each adding to the mix of uniqueness of the character. For example, a trait that one might consider undesirable, such as aggressiveness, may actually aid a person's integrity by motivating him toward his goals as a researcher. In another personality, aggressiveness may be a detrimental factor. All traits must be carefully evaluated in a handwriting sample before an accurate picture can be obtained concerning the writer's personality.
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