A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Emotional and Behavioral Drawing Test (EBDT) Response Characteristics in Inmates Convicted of Sexual Offenses

This study employed the Emotional and Behavioral Drawing Test (EBDT) to assess and analyze the emotional and behavioral characteristics of male inmates incarcerated for sexual offenses. The participants were male inmates at correctional institutions who were mandated to complete a sexual offense education program. The EBDT was administered to identify emotional and behavioral tendencies reflected in their drawings. To analyze emotional expression and behavioral patterns presented in the EBDT, both factor-based interpretations and code-type categorizations were examined in depth. The findings revealed common psychological traits, particularly structural imbalance and internal withdrawal, as salient sub-factors. From a qualitative perspective, the participants demonstrated psychological vulnerabilities, such as low self-esteem, a lack of integrative compositional ability, and limitations in self-expression, which were more concretely identified through qualitative analysis. This study holds significance in that it provides foundational data for understanding the psychological traits and underlying causes of behavior among sexual offenders. By identifying these latent issues in advance, it aims to inform preventive interventions and educational strategies. Furthermore, insights into the cognitive patterns and thinking styles of the participants may contribute to the development of effective correctional programs and the prevention of recidivism.