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Graphology or handwriting analysis explained

Graphology or handwriting analysis is the art of determining character from handwriting. Whether you are filling out an application, writing a grocery list, or signing a check, keep this in mind:

Your handwriting bears the unique imprint of your personality, with all its strengths and weaknesses for all the world to see. It is as if in an unconscious way, you are giving the world a window to your deepest self.

To be sure, handwriting analysis does neither foretell the future, nor does it reveal the past. But, it can give you an insight into the person you are. It can also help you to gain an understanding and insight into the personality of other people, especially those close to you.

Today, graphology has many uses, from helping people find the most compatible mate to employee screening . It enables companies to cut down on employee turnover, unmask the high-risk employee, or ensure that the most qualified candidate is hired or promoted? Many handwriting analysts work in exciting careers as consultants to industry and corporations. 

Grapho-therapy is used in several beneficial and exciting ways. In Germany, grapho-therapy is used in clinical settings with anorexic patients, with learning disabled and neurotic children, to overcome stammering, bed wetting, phobias and anti-social behavior.

Grapho-therapy exercises can help golfers to get unstuck from unproductive habits patterns and  change them into positive ones. It enables them to increase rhythm and balance in the golf swing as well as develop concentration and keep mental focus.

Graphology answers questions that can start individuals on the way to greater self-understanding. It gives them feedback to who they really are and how others see them. It can also suggest ways to reduce tension, handle stress more successfully, and reach greater self-actualization and fulfillment.

Trait stroke analysis versus holistic graphology

Today, there exist two major schools of graphology, namely the trait stroke versus the holistic or "Gestalt" approach. ("Gestalt" = German for "figure" or overall configuration).

The trait stroke school 
Trait stroke analysts contend that a specific stroke formation reveal a certain personality trait. For example, a looped d would be synonymous with "sensitiveness to criticism." 

Sensitiveness to criticism

In the United States, the International Graphoanalysis Society has long claimed to have done the  major research in the field of trait stroke analysis, with Milton Bunker the foremost researcher. Actually, the trait stroke method originated in France. In 1878, the French Abbé Jean Hippolyte Michon  in  his book "Système de Graphologie." 

Many of the traits listed in his book are still taught in trait stroke analysis today:

initial hooks    =     acquisitiveness
missing punctuation    = inattention to details, carelessness
slanted writing    =    emotionality, responsiveness
curved strokes    =    humor
rising lines    =    optimism
left slant    =    reserve, withdrawal
tied ovals    =    secretiveness
underlined name     =    self-reliance

So-called evaluated traits likewise originated in France.  Crépieux-Jamin was generally considered the founder of the French school of graphology. In his book "L'Écriture et le Caractère" he demonstrated in detail his theory of so-called "evaluated traits" or resultants . He theorized that only primary or basic traits show directly in handwriting whereas secondary or resulting characteristics must be evaluated through combinations of primary traits. A few examples of resultants were: 

Weak will + imagination    =    fear
Evasiveness + selfishness    =    tendency to steal
Egotism + Sarcasm + pride    =    malevolence 
Sensitive + weak will power + insecure    =    timidity
Generosity + responsive + enthusiasm    =    empathy
Regularity + self-control    =    patience
Rhythm + quick comprehension + thread    =    cunning, sly
Diplomacy + thready writing = obsequious

Holistic graphology 
Holistic graphology is more often referred to as Gestalt Graphology. This system of handwriting analysis was pioneered by  Professor Ludwig Klages in Germany. His school of graphology became very prominent and, during the early 1900's, in German universities his textbooks were said to have been more popular than those of Sigmund Freud. Gestalt graphology foremost denominators are depth, form, movement and space. 

In reality, both graphology schools are not nearly as incompatible as the proponents of each school like to believe. Trait stroke analysts use writing pressure or depth to determine the writer's "depth of emotion." The traits of "simplification" and  "ostentation," for instance, are determined through the element of form . The so-called trait of "rhythm" is discovered through writing movement, and narrowness and width of letters clearly belong to category of space.

While gestalt graphologists even abhor the use of the word "trait," they are often describing traits nevertheless. What gestalt graphologist calls "extreme smallness due to exaggeration of reality due fear of not being able to cope," the trait stroke graphologist calls by the trait name "concentration" (used as a defense). Ironically, gestalt textbooks often add footnotes, or endnotes, or special addenda with listings of special indicators, such as as "decreasing height toward end of words indicate diplomatic tendencies (trait stroke "diplomacy") or "pointed final strokes expose critical tendencies (trait stroke "sarcasm").

Perhaps, originally, the method rivalry resulted more from the fact that the trait strokes method originated in France, while the gestalt theory was developed in Germany. Throughout history, these two countries have been rivals or opponents more often than not. It should not be surprising that this rivalry also affected the field of graphology.

Integrated graphology

Karohs Step-By-Step (SSS) System of Handwriting

The Karohs Step-by-Step System (SSS)  of Handwriting  Analysis is unique in that integrates the most important aspects of the trait stroke method with the gestalt components of spacing, movement, form, and depth in one logical system. This allows the deepest possible insight into the personality of the writer.

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