Graphology, or handwriting analysis is becoming more and more popular. Dating back to 1622, Camillo Baldi published the first known book on how analyzing someone’s handwriting can offer insight into a person’s personality.
When a persons write their conscious constantly phases in and out. When we are most aware of what we are writing, our handwriting is affected by what we want to appear on the page, however when we write without thinking, our true nature escapes.
Graphology is studying handwriting, and how that handwriting ties in to a person’s behavior. There are three different categories of graphology.
Holistic Graphology is used to form an overview of a person’s character based on how they write using the movement they use to write and the space they take up on the paper. It was formed in Germany in 1915 and is based on “form, movement, and space.”
Integrative Graphology dissects handwriting strokes in relation to different personality traits.
Symbolic Analysis, the third category is an analysis of symbols that exist in a person’s writing. There are major symbolism and minor symbolism.
In each category are numerous subcategories and systems for breaking down detailed analysis.
Although graphology dates back to 1622, in 1872, Jean Michon published a book on graphology, which is now regarded as the authority on this subject. Universities offer PHD programs in graphology, and many different sectors of society now use this handwriting analysis such as signature analysis for researching people’s innate characteristics and compatibility. Graphology has been used for medical diagnosis, jury selection, psychological analysis and compatibility testing in business and marriage.
Looking at one’s autograph is the best way to gauge a person’s personality because they are most comfortable writing these specific letters in one specific way. When we write our signature we do so without thinking or trying to “change” the way it looks. It is second nature.
Although not exact, many researchers are convinced that handwriting analysis is up to 80% accurate in gauging personality traits and behavior. To begin, you need a sample of writing on plain white paper with pen. You will need to know if your subject is male or female.
Here is an overview to touch on the topics that graphology covers according to Paralumun.
Direction of Lines-
We are taught to write in straight lines, thus lined paper. Without lines to follow, very few people actually write completely straight. Although fatigue can sometimes be blamed writing dropping near the end of a line, the rule is that if a person writes with a dip at the end, they are generally pessimistic or may be feeling depressed. Lines that go up towards the end usually symbolize optimism or an overall happy demeanor.
We write from the left to right. Researchers of graphology have said this symbolizes past to future, so in one sense we are writing what we would like our future to be. A person that writes completely straight is usually very disciplined with what they want out of life.
If someone writes in a convex line (up then down) they may start on a task with zeel but tend to give up once they begin something. Writing in a concave line (down then up) may be someone that doesn’t want to do things, but slowly gains courage and encouragement throughout tasks. If lines are wavy, it may be because a person has conflicting emotions or is moody.
Space Between Lines-
The distance between lines is usually pre-planned. Our minds have an idea of how we want things to look on paper. Wide spaces usually indicate a person who likes order and are generally very reasonable, however if the spaces are too wide, it may mean they like to keep their distance. Small spaces between lines are generally people who like to be around other people.
Space Between Words-
Obviously spaces exist between words for easy comprehension. When analyzing writing samples, larger spaces tend to mean someone thinks about their words carefully, while small spaces could mean a person in impulsive. If a writer tends to change space often, it could be because they vary with emotions and logical thought.
The Margins-
When not usually lined paper, people base the location of their margins on their own. Generally the left margin has a purpose while the right margin varies. The width left margin may show how close we want to get to other people, however this is our desire. The right margin actually indicates how close we are to others. Large left margins usually indicate proudness or shyness. Self-conscious people carefully debate how both left and right margins should look.
The Slant-
Most people have a slight slant in their writing. Since researchers associate writing left to right as past to future, letters slanting to the left normally deal with issues of the past. It is more common in female writing and usually indicative of people with turmoil in their life. People who write with a left slant are normally very close with their mothers. Another common reason people may write with a slant to the left is unresolved issues in the past.
People who write with an upright slant are usually very independent. Upright writing is very rare and usually shows a person that is very disciplined. The right slant is the most common slant that exists.
Pressure-
We apply pressure against the paper (primary pressure) and pressure against the penholder is referred to as secondary pressure. Primary pressure symbolizes our strength and zest for life. Secondary pressures is indicative of what we want out of life.
Symmetry-
Symmetry assesses a person’s inner balance and development. If writing is larger on top, a person may be intelligent but immature. Larger middle zones may show a person’s emotions are highly developed. Larger lower zones show a person that may be overly interested in finances and money.
Legibility-
People who write legibly write with purpose. People usually write legibly if their careers dictate the need to get information across. People who write unusually neat may be trying to hide something.
Size of Letters-
Letter size relates to how a person feels about themself and what they think they can accomplish. Using tall capitals means they think of themself as better than others. When you write with small capitals you may not want the spot light. Extroverted people use wide letters and shy people use narrow letters.
Connection of Letters-
Connection of Letters shows a persons attitude towards others. There are three types of connections: garland, and arcades and angles. Deep garland are people who overreact and enclosed garland tends to over analyze. Narrow garland may also be insinuate that a person doesn’t tend to think “outside the box” and have preexisting ideas. Supported garland are usually from people who need a lot of support from others in their life. High arcades show artistic talent and low arcades show deceitfulness. People who use general angles usually very between the two or are confused.
Space Between Letters-
Space between letters indicates how much a person relies on their intuition. All connected letters means a person is logical whereas only some letters being connected means a person may rely more on what their gut is telling them. If without end strokes, researchers think people may not react well with outside forces.
Pace of Writing-
How fast someone’s writes usually is how that person views life. If they write fast, they usually quick thinking. A slow writer is cautious usually cautious.
Sources:
http://www.paralumun.com/graphology.htm
http://skepdic.com/graphol.html
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