Couples’ joint drawing patterns: Associations with self-report measures of interpersonal patterns and attachment styles

Abstract

The development of a typology of joint-drawing patterns in couples proposed that three types exist: balanced, complicated, and disconnected (Snir and Wiseman, 2013). The current study explores the links between the three drawing patterns that were derived from the pictorial phenomena expressed in joint drawings and the couples' interpersonal patterns and attachment styles assessed by self- report measures. Sixty romantically involved couples that completed the joint drawing task. Their drawings were classified into the three types. Couples completed the Central Relationship Questionnaire, and the Experiences in Close Relationship Scale, along with the Couple's Relationship Perceptions Questionnaire. The results supported in part the hypothesized association. Couples whose drawings were classified in the balanced drawing group reported higher love and care scores and were securely attached. They reported that their partner provided a secure base, and they enjoyed greater personal growth and development than couples in the other drawing groups. These findings provide partial support to the assumption that joint drawing styles distinguish between interpersonal patterns in the couple relationship. Applying the joint-drawing technique with couples can shed light on the relational characteristics of the partners. This finding is relevant for evaluation processes and clinical practice in the art therapy field.