Handwriting: A Key to Personality
Date
1954
Authors
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Volume Title
Publisher
Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd.
Abstract
A book on graphology is likely to be accorded a more appreciative reception today, both from the general public and in academic circles, than would have been possible a few years ago. The increasingly widespread acceptance of the dynamic theory of personality has laid the groundwork for a fuller understanding of graphology in America. Yet it is of interest to note that in Europe graphology is among the oldest psychological approaches for the study of personality, and was widely used before the advent of psycboanaiysi), Gestalt theory, social anthropology; or projective techniques. At the present time, the ps-ychologist working with projective techniques and other tests is well equipped not only by a thorough knowledge of dynamic psychology but also by specific professional training. Unfortunately, the graphologist still labors in an undefinable limbo; no specific course of training, no set of academic standards, no degree or certificate in graphology exists to attest the scientific background and reliability of the handwriting analyst. In short, the graphologist is, of necessity, a self-made individual, learning more from his own efforts than from those of others. However, it is important for the graphologist to have dual skills: he must have specific knowledge, and beyond that a profound understanding of personality, if he is to be capable of synthesizing the facts as well as the intangibles into a true personality picture. The author of this book had the privilege of working for more than two decades on research projects instituted by government agencies and clinical institutions in Europe, notably in Budapest. The present study is, however, not a recapitulation of the widely published results of those years
Description
Heritage
Keywords
Handwriting, Graphology