Hatira’s Projective Technique [HPT-10]

Purpose of the Questionnaire

The HPT was designed to investigate the personality and psychological state of children aged 6–14 with severe and chronic illness, mainly cancer. Its main goal is to reveal the emotions, concerns, and psychological coping mechanisms of children within the context of their chronic illness. It is intended for clinical psychologists, researchers, and healthcare professionals working with children with chronic diseases.

Questionnaire Analysis

The HPT was developed by K. Hatira and published in 1996. It includes 10 cards with images depicting scenes from the hospital environment, family life, and the school setting. The images serve as stimuli for the expression of the child’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. The test is not scored with traditional scales but is qualitatively analyzed based on the content of the narratives, morphology (style of drawing, use of space and colors), body image impression, and self-esteem.

Scoring of Questions

There is no conventional scoring. The analysis is based on content (themes, emotions, and narratives that emerge), morphology (drawing characteristics and use of colors), body image impression (representations of the body and illness), and self-esteem (the way the child defines themself).

Statistical Analysis

The statistical analysis of the HPT is based on qualitative data. However, in some studies, statistical methods have been used for comparing intra-individual and inter-individual differences and for correlating results with other psychometric tools.

Validity of the Questionnaire

The validity of the HPT is based on the comparison of the results with the child’s actual behavior, statistical analysis of differences and correlations, and validation through studies that correlate it with other psychometric tools.

Reliability of the Questionnaire (Scale)

The reliability of the HPT depends on the interpreter’s experience and the consistency of results in repeated applications. Research has shown high agreement among clinical interpreters when standardized approaches to analysis are followed.

References

Greek References
Hatira, K. (1996). L’investigation psychologique à travers d’une épreuve spécifique. Athens: AB Publications.
Foreign References
Hatira, P. (1998). The Role of Drawing in Diagnosis and Therapy of the Child with a Chronic Disease: Hatira’s Projective Technique (HPT). Bulletin Prelude, 5, 56–62.