Graphology

From ArticleWorld

Graphology is a method of studying a person's handwriting and using it to analyze his behavior or personality.

The Terms Graphology was devised in 1875 by a French monk named Jean Hippolyte Michon. Graphologists, or persons who are considered experts in the field of analyzing handwritings, are usually called as expert witnesses in court proceedings.

Graphologists believe that writing is an outlet of a person's emotions and his feelings or state of mind is reflected in his handwriting. They believe that the manner of writing a particular letter, its slant, and other handwriting characteristics show a person's personality traits.

Reasons for use

Graphology is used worldwide by experts because of its high validity. It is also believed to be non-discriminatory. Graphology is used for the following purposes.

1. Employment-Graphology is used by employers to evaluate an applicant's personality traits. This is particularly helpful for human resources practitioners who should match job qualifications with the temperament of the applicants.
2. Analyzing psychological make up of people-Through Graphology, there is a certain percentage of truth in matchmaking. This is used in compatibility tests.
3. Diagnosis of medical condition-This remains highly controversial for lack of research and extensive study. However, some graphologists believe that a person's medical condition can be ascertained through his handwriting.
4. Used as court evidence- Handwriting analysis comes in handy for lawyers specifically in proving the validity and legitimacy of documentary evidence. This is often used in cases of fraud and examination of holographic wills.
5. Screening of jury members-Before a jury is chosen, both sides would like to make sure that they do not have biases against their client's case. Graphology is used to determine whether a certain candidate for jury position has a bias on certain aspects of the case.

Presumptions

Graphology becomes effective with the help of certain presumptions that experts have on a person's handwriting.

While few people can generally write in a straight line, there is a presumption in Graphology that a person who writes in a descending line is someone who is depressed or one who has heavy mood swings. The opposite shows an optimistic person.

People generally write from left to right, giving rise to the presumption that a handwriting that slants to the right is normal. A left slant shows a person who has a closer relationship with his mother while an upright slant shows an independent individual.

There is a presumption that criminals exert more pressure when writing. On the other hand, handwriting without pressure on the letters usually belongs to a woman.