Graphology

Graphology is the study and analysis of handwriting, especially in relation to human psychology. In the medical field, it is considered a controversial science, often used in court and for screening purposes.

Overview

Graphology, also known as handwriting analysis, is a method of identifying, evaluating, and understanding a person's personality through the patterns revealed by his handwriting. Whether this is a science or an art is a topic of constant debate. However, it is widely used in various fields including medicine, psychology, and criminology.

History

The concept of graphology has been in existence since the time of the ancient Romans but it is only in the 19th century that it developed into a science. The first book on the subject was published by Jean-Hippolyte Michon in 1875. Since then, it has been a subject of interest for many researchers and has been used in various fields.

Methodology

The methodology of graphology involves a comprehensive comparative analysis of a person's handwriting sample with the established psychological interpretation of various handwriting characteristics. This includes the size, spacing, shape, and slant of the letters.

Applications

Graphology has been used in a variety of fields. In medicine, it has been used to track the progress of diseases of the brain and nervous system. In psychology, it is used to gain insight into the mind and personality. In criminology, it is used in forensic examination of handwriting in documents.

Criticism

Despite its wide usage, graphology has been criticized for its lack of validity and reliability. Many studies have failed to show a strong correlation between handwriting and personality traits. Moreover, it is not recognized as a science by the scientific community.

See also

• Handwriting Analysis
• Forensic Document Examination
• Psychology
• Criminology

References

• File:Talks on graphology, the art of knowing character through handwriting (1892) (14781407362).jpg