Draw A Tree, Person, House Test: Guide & Tips

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 46 views

Hey guys! Ever heard of the Draw a Tree, Person, House (DAP) test in psikotes (psychological assessments)? It's a super common tool used by psychologists and HR professionals to get a glimpse into your personality, emotional state, and cognitive abilities. Sounds intense, right? But don't sweat it! This guide will break down everything you need to know about this test, helping you understand what it's all about and how to approach it with confidence. Let's dive in!

What is the Draw a Tree, Person, House (DAP) Test?

Okay, so what exactly is this DAP test? Simply put, it involves drawing, you guessed it, a tree, a person, and a house. You'll usually be given a blank sheet of paper and a pencil, and then you'll be asked to draw each of these subjects as realistically and completely as possible. There's usually no time limit, but try not to overthink it too much. The idea is to let your subconscious mind do its thing! The beauty of the DAP test lies in its projective nature. This means that the way you draw these seemingly simple objects can reveal a lot about your inner world. Psychologists believe that the details you include (or exclude), the size and placement of the drawings, and the overall style can reflect various aspects of your personality, such as your self-perception, your relationship with your family, your coping mechanisms, and even potential areas of conflict or stress. The DAP test is often used in conjunction with other psychological tests and interviews to provide a more comprehensive assessment of an individual. It can be used in a variety of settings, including clinical psychology, educational psychology, and, yes, even recruitment!

Understanding the DAP test can feel a bit like trying to decode a secret language, but it's definitely not something to be intimidated by. Think of it more as a chance to express yourself creatively and provide some interesting insights into who you are. Just remember to relax, be yourself, and try to enjoy the process. The more natural and authentic your drawings are, the more valuable the information they can provide. In essence, the DAP test is a fascinating tool that can offer a unique window into the human psyche, and with a little understanding, you can approach it with confidence and curiosity.

Why is the DAP Test Used in Psikotes?

So, why do companies and psychologists use the DAP test in psikotes? Well, there are several reasons. First off, it's a relatively quick and easy test to administer. Unlike some other psychological assessments that require specialized equipment or extensive training, the DAP test can be given with just a piece of paper and a pencil. This makes it a cost-effective and efficient way to gather information about a large number of individuals. More importantly, the DAP test can provide valuable insights into a candidate's personality and cognitive abilities that might not be revealed through other methods, such as resumes or interviews. Recruiters may use the DAP test to evaluate candidates for various job roles. They might be looking for specific traits, such as creativity, attention to detail, or the ability to work independently. For example, a candidate who draws a tall, sturdy tree with strong roots might be seen as confident and stable, while someone who draws a small, fragile tree might be perceived as more introverted or insecure. Similarly, the way a candidate draws a house can reveal information about their family relationships and their sense of security. A house with large windows and a welcoming door might suggest openness and sociability, while a house with barred windows and a closed door might indicate defensiveness or isolation.

Furthermore, the DAP test can also be used to identify potential red flags. For example, drawings that are excessively dark, distorted, or fragmented might suggest underlying psychological issues that could impact a candidate's performance or behavior in the workplace. However, it's important to note that the DAP test should never be used as the sole basis for making hiring decisions. It's just one piece of the puzzle, and it should always be interpreted in conjunction with other information, such as the candidate's qualifications, experience, and interview performance. In short, the DAP test is a valuable tool that can provide employers with a more holistic understanding of their candidates. By assessing their personality, cognitive abilities, and emotional state, the DAP test can help employers make more informed hiring decisions and build stronger, more productive teams. Just remember, it's not about being an artist; it's about expressing yourself and providing some insights into who you are as a person.

What Aspects of the Drawings Are Evaluated?

Okay, so you've drawn your tree, person, and house. Now what? What exactly are the psychologists and HR people looking for? Well, they're not just judging your artistic skills (phew!). They're actually analyzing a whole range of aspects in your drawings to get a sense of your personality and psychological state. Let's break down some of the key elements they look at:

Size and Placement: The overall size of your drawings and where you place them on the page can be significant. For example, a large drawing that dominates the page might suggest confidence and extroversion, while a small drawing tucked away in a corner might indicate insecurity or introversion. The placement of the drawing in relation to the center of the page can also be revealing. A drawing that is centered might suggest a balanced and well-adjusted personality, while a drawing that is placed off to one side might indicate a tendency to focus on certain aspects of life or to avoid others.
Details and Omissions: The details you include (or exclude) in your drawings can provide valuable clues about your priorities and concerns. For example, a person who draws a house with a lot of attention to detail, such as carefully drawn windows and doors, might be seen as detail-oriented and conscientious. On the other hand, someone who omits important details, such as a roof or a foundation, might be perceived as neglecting important aspects of their life or feeling insecure. The level of detail in your drawings can also reflect your level of creativity and imagination.
Lines and Shading: The quality of your lines and the amount of shading you use can also be significant. Dark, heavy lines might suggest anxiety or aggression, while light, delicate lines might indicate sensitivity or fragility. Shading can be used to emphasize certain areas of the drawing or to create a sense of depth and dimension. The way you use shading can reflect your emotional state and your ability to express yourself.
Proportions and Symmetry: The proportions of your drawings and their overall symmetry can also be indicative of your personality. Drawings that are well-proportioned and symmetrical might suggest a balanced and harmonious personality, while drawings that are distorted or asymmetrical might indicate internal conflicts or emotional distress. The proportions of the different elements in your drawings can also be revealing. For example, a person who draws a house with a very large chimney might be seen as someone who is preoccupied with issues of power or control.
Overall Impression: Finally, the overall impression of your drawings is also important. Do they convey a sense of stability and harmony, or do they seem chaotic and disjointed? Do they evoke positive emotions, or do they leave you feeling uneasy? The overall impression of your drawings can be influenced by a variety of factors, including the details you include, the lines you use, and the proportions of the different elements. The psychologists will consider all of these aspects together to form a comprehensive picture of your personality and psychological state. They'll also take into account any other information they have about you, such as your background, your experiences, and your responses to other tests and interviews.

Tips for Approaching the DAP Test

Alright, so now you know what the DAP test is all about and what aspects of your drawings are evaluated. But how can you actually prepare for it? Well, the good news is that you don't need to be an artist to do well on this test. It's not about creating a masterpiece; it's about expressing yourself authentically. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Relax and Be Yourself: This is probably the most important tip of all. Try not to overthink it or try to draw what you think the psychologists want to see. Just relax, clear your mind, and let your hand do the work. The more natural and spontaneous your drawings are, the more valuable the information they will provide.
Pay Attention to Detail: While you don't need to be a perfectionist, it's important to pay attention to the details of your drawings. Think about the different elements that make up a tree, a person, and a house, and try to include as many of them as possible. This will show that you're observant and detail-oriented.
Be Complete: Make sure to complete all three drawings to the best of your ability. Don't leave anything out or rush through them. The more complete your drawings are, the more information the psychologists will have to work with. If you're not sure what to draw, just start with the basic shapes and then add details as you go along.
Be Honest: Don't try to fake it or pretend to be someone you're not. The psychologists are trained to detect inconsistencies and exaggerations. Just be honest and authentic in your drawings. This will give them a more accurate picture of your personality and psychological state.
Practice (Optional): While it's not necessary to practice for the DAP test, it can be helpful to do a few practice drawings beforehand to get a feel for the process. This can help you relax and feel more confident on the day of the test. Just grab a piece of paper and a pencil and start drawing! There are also many online resources that provide examples of DAP test drawings and interpretations.

What Not to Do on the DAP Test

Okay, so we've covered what you should do on the DAP test. Now let's talk about what you shouldn't do. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid:

Don't Overthink It: We've said it before, but it's worth repeating. Overthinking is the enemy of creativity and authenticity. The more you try to control your drawings, the less revealing they will be. Just relax and let your subconscious mind do its thing.
Don't Copy Someone Else's Drawings: This is a big no-no. The psychologists are looking for your unique perspective, not someone else's. Copying someone else's drawings will not only be obvious, but it will also invalidate the test.
Don't Draw Offensive or Inappropriate Images: This should be self-explanatory, but it's important to be mindful of the images you're creating. Avoid drawing anything that could be considered offensive, discriminatory, or sexually suggestive. This will reflect poorly on you and could jeopardize your chances of getting the job.
Don't Leave Anything Blank: Make sure to fill the entire page with your drawings. Leaving large areas of blank space can be interpreted as a sign of insecurity or avoidance. Even if you're not sure what to draw, just add some details or shading to fill the space.
Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions: If you're not sure what to do or if you have any questions about the test, don't hesitate to ask the psychologists or HR people administering the test. They're there to help you, and they want you to feel comfortable and confident. However, avoid asking questions about what you should draw, as this could influence your responses.

In Conclusion

The Draw a Tree, Person, House test can seem a little daunting at first, but hopefully, this guide has helped demystify the process and give you some useful tips for approaching it with confidence. Remember, it's not about being an artist; it's about expressing yourself authentically and providing some insights into your personality and psychological state. So, relax, be yourself, and let your creativity flow! Good luck, and may your drawings be insightful and revealing!