|
Psychology
Introduction
" A person’s handwriting is as much a part of their character as the way they look, speak or walk, and is just as useful a method of recognition”
- Handwriting can reflect the mood and thinking of the writer at the time of writing.
- The way the main body of the text is set out on the page yields information on the emotional, mental and physical outlook of the writer.. . it reflects the real or ‘inner’ person.
- The signature shows the outer image - the way in which the writer would like to be seen by other
The importance of a knowledge of psychology to graphology
Psychologists and psychiatrists found “that what is now called the ‘expressive movement’ in handwriting is as revealing as a person’s physical movements and gestures because both are performed unconsciously … expressive movements - be it in gesture or handwriting - can be interpreted as indicators of character,” 6 p17
“When these movements are unconscious, as in the case with instinctive gesture and handwriting, then the person is expressing what they are really like and not how they want to be perceived.” 7 p 18.
- Where a person learned the basic form will influence the way their style develops.
- As will the apparent intelligence of the writer.
- Also assessed is the speed or slowness of the script
- The development of the individuality
- How the writer has created their own style from the original first taught in school.
Maintaining the original form level suggests: - hesitant, unoriginal, little flair, toes the line, a follower rather than a leader, lacking perception and initiative, ordinary and mundane
Development of a high form level, with personal embellishments, suggests: - a quick perceptive mind, original approach. Speed indicates spontaneity, an amount of style and potential for leadership.
- Pressure
- Spacing - margins, word and line spacing - natural not forced or irregular
- Naturalness of script
- Variation from basic school construction
Rhythm
The rhythm of handwriting delivers an overall impression of the mental, physical and spiritual forces of the writer.
Unrhythmic handwriting shows the writer suffers from inner conflicts many of which could have remained unresolved from their formative years into adulthood.” 8 p 21
- Connecting strokes
- Speed
- Spacing
- Formation
- Slant
“The degree to which these attributes are apparent in the writing will indicate the level of balance in the person’s character.” 9 p 21
Rhythmic handwriting
- Personal harmony, an even distribution of the emotions and impulses, and an economic use of energies
- Even well balanced writing indicates strong will power and high degree of self control. Intellect stronger than emotions, regularity and control
- Right slant, rhythmic and balanced : consistent mind and good mental control
- Over control – writing becomes rigid and without spontaneity, potential obsessional behaviour, compulsive inhibition. Tight control on emotions
Unrhythmic traits
- Large gaps between letters and words
- Varying slants
- Irregular movement of hand during writing: not a consistent balance between emotions and mental self discipline.
- Strong creative or artistic ability and active emotional life
- Fluctuating levels of self assurance and a tendency to moodiness and abrupt changes of temper.
- Mind is active with emotional intensity and they may be impulsive under pressure.
- In extreme cases – unreliable and instability of sympathetic nerwous system
- Restless
- Anxiety, lack willpower, torn between natural impulses and maintaining a tighter control of their minds and emotions
- Poor control and lack of self-restraint.
- Erratic slant: inability to remain consistent in thought and action. The varying slant, size and pressure reveal a restless mercurial mind.
- Young people unconsciously adopt an irregular scrip to express emerging personality more fully and indicate that they do not respect the demand to conform.
Bibliography
"Learn to Interpret Handwriting", Patricia Marne, edited Peter West: Quantum 1999 & 2003
|
