Validering van grafiese gesinsbeelding as psigodiagnostiese tegniek

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to validate the Graphic Family Sculpting Test (GFST) to be used as an aid when evaluating family dynamics. The study focused on construct validity. In the literature review, an attempt was made to give an overview of the distinction between the concepts and theories of validation, family sculpting, graphic family sculpting, projection and the psychologically healthy family. Reference to the systems approach, as well as the applicability of the present study to such an appr-0ach, is made. Finally, a discussion of the rationale of the 18 fields of the GFST is given. The experimental design, the development, design, rationale and application, as well as the scoring procedure of the GFST is addressed in chapter 3. The 18 fields of the GFST are: 1. Placement of family on paper 2. Space on paper 3. Line quality 4. Erase 5. Pattern/Gestalt 6. Sequence 7. Marital coalition 8. Child sub-system 9. Labelling 10. Emotion 11. Horizontal behaviour 12. Looking behaviour 13. Experiential dimension

14. Experience/Emotional reaction 15. Closest . 16. Hierarchy 17. Size 18. Risk Further attention was given to four other tests' viz. the Personal Orientation Inventory (POI), Family of Origin Scale (FOS), Family Assessment Device (FAD), and the PHSF Relations Questionnaire (PHSF) rationale, description, psychometric attributes and motivation for inclusion. In chapter 4, the statistical results are discussed. The test results obtained were examined in order to establish the relationship between the GFST and the other tests that were used. Factor analysis was conducted on the GFST, resulting in three factors, which were named: "Structure", "Intra-psychic experiences" and "Process". Overall, the GFST was found to be statistically independent with respect to the other tests. This seems to suggest that the GFST could make a significant contribution to the test repertoire of the psychologist. It also suggests that the GFST exhibits a degree of validity, however more research is required in this regard. In the literature as well as from the test results, it would appear that the GFST is a very useful diagnostic and therapeutic instrument for the psychologist in the helping process, with regard to marriages and/or families. Further research is recommended in the context of this study.