A Comparison of Psychiatric Patient's and Normal Subject's Paintings based on Formal Elements Art Therapy Scales (FEATS)

the psychological assessments of psychiatric patients based on art are usually subjective. Formal Elements of Art Therapy Scales (FEATS) is a way to objectively measure the clients'' paintings. This study was investigated the application of FEATS in recognition of psychiatric disorders. the research method was descriptive- comparative. Fifty six psychiatric patients (42 female and 14 male) in residential centres for psychiatric patients in Birjand were selected as research sample. The normal subjects were matched with the patients based on age، gender، educational and marriage levels. the results showed in all elements of FEATS (except to absence of rotation) there were statistically significant differences between patients and normal subjects. based on the results، the FEATS is recommended as a supplementary method for recognition of cognitive and behavioural problems.