Drawing the Self: A Psychological Study of Orphaned Children’s Self-image through the House-Tree-Person Technique

Abstract Background: Children in institutional care often experience abandonment and emotional neglect, which shape their emerging self-concept. These early adversities may hinder identity development, leading to internalized feelings of worthlessness and invisibility. Traditional assessment tools may fail to capture their emotional realities, making projective techniques valuable. Aim: This study aimed to explore the self-image of institutionalized orphan children using the House-Tree-Person (HTP) test and examine gender-based emotional differences in their drawings. Methodology: A qualitative, ex post facto design was used with a purposive sample of 160 children (80 boys and 80 girls) aged 10–14 years residing in government-run orphanages in Kanpur and Lucknow. Participants were assessed using the HTP test, and drawings were analyzed through thematic and content analysis to uncover emotional and symbolic patterns. Results: Drawings revealed recurring themes of emotional withdrawal, insecurity, and fragmented self-image. Symbols such as houses with closed doors, rootless trees, and distorted human figures reflected guardedness, instability, and psychological distress. Girls’ drawings showed slightly more emotional openness, while boys’ drawings indicated isolation and suppressed strength. Conclusion: The HTP test offered insights into the silent struggles of orphaned children, providing a nonverbal window into their emotional world. The study emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed, gender-sensitive psychological care that acknowledges both what children express and what they cannot verbalize. Projective tools like HTP can be vital in understanding and addressing the mental health needs of children in institutional care.