Skeptics of handwriting analysis say they want

statistics on the validity of handwriting analysis,

such as those involving published medical studies.

Yet time and time again the outcomes of such

scientific studies are proved unreliable due to

bias (e.g., the study that found the drug superior

was sponsored by the company that makes it).

Or, skeptics suggest that a handwriting analysis

study should be “peer-reviewed.” However, there

are many studies showing that peer review doesn’t

enhance the accuracy of scientific work at all.

Even so, if they insist on scientific reviews,

there exist many involving the science of

handwriting analysis. The best anyone can do is

to conduct objective empirical investigations,

such as the ones here (extensive list--over 200,

many from the past decade--of scientific papers

published in non-graphological peer-reviewed

journals since 1950): http://tinyurl.com/4cx3nf

You can’t prove that something has scientific

validity. But you can prove a practice invalid.

So far, handwriting analysis (or comprehensive
astrology, or comprehensive numerology, etc.) has

yet to be proven invalid. The above studies very

firmly lend authenticity to the science of

graphology.

An aside, handwriting analysts never claim 100%

accuracy, and there doesn’t exist any

psychological assessment tool that is 100%

accurate.

Handwriting analysis is a valid supplement to

other testing methods. It’s extremely useful in

determining if a job applicant fits a job

description, thereby saving the company time

and money, along with helping to reduce security

risks. It does not, however, directly predict

the success of the applicant on the job.

Handwriting analysis is also extremely effective

in assessing already existing employees’ strengths

and challenges. It can go a long way in helping to

improve workplace productivity and morale by

uncovering true abilities and compatibility.

Reasonable levels of accuracy are assured if the

graphologist has extensive training, such as by

earning certification from a respected 

handwriting analysis school. An analyst

knowledgeable in both trait-based and  holistic

approach graphology is best, rather than only one

of the two methodologies.

A graphologist’s analysis is relative to the time

the handwriting sample was written. Although it’s

possible for a person’s script to change somewhat

over time, the basic structure (organization, form,

zonal balance, spacing, etc.) most often remains

the same. But it is a good idea to have the person

offer an updated writing sample for a current

analysis if the person has gone through some

major life changes, or if the last analysis they

had done was when they were 23, and they are

now 43, for example.

For those who are still skeptical of graphology,

recall that many respected scientists in the

earlier part of the twentieth century insisted

that psychology could not be a science. It took

decades for psychology to be accepted as the

valid science it is today.

The U.S. Library of Congress catalogues

graphology (handwriting analysis) books in

the psychology, document examination, and 

personnel screening categories.

“Graphologist” (handwriting analyst) is listed

in the U.S. Department of Labor’s Directory of

Occupational Titles (DOT) as “miscellaneous

professional.”

The U.S. Department of Labor Dictionary of

Occupational Titles lists the profession of

graphologist (handwriting analyst) as follows: 

http://tinyurl.com/52wb9u

199.267-038 GRAPHOLOGIST

Analyzes handwriting to appraise personal

characteristics: Obtains handwriting specimen

to observe overall appearance of writing and

detailed formation of letters. Measures height

of letters and slant of writing, using calibrated

templates. Observes individual writing strokes

to determine unique or distinguishing

characteristics, using ruler and low-power

magnifying glass or microscope. Evaluates

handwriting sample and interprets findings,

according to theories of handwriting analysis.

May use diagram to plot writing characteristics. 
GOE: 02.04.01 STRENGTH: S GED: R4 M3 L3

SVP: 6 DLU: 89

Evidence of handwriting analysis having done

harm in personnel selection or in other

applications in the workplace is non-existent.

Over 300 handwriting indicators must be

considered in doing a thorough analysis. Some

of the more notable considerations are as follows:

consistency; compression; down-strokes;

elaboration; expansion; finals; fluidity; form;

harmony; lead-ins; loops; margins; movement;

organization; pressure; rhythm; signature

compared to the rest of script; size; slant; overall

arrangement and picture of space; spacing (letter,

word, line, etc.); speed; zonal balance and much

more.

Does any single consideration, such as

excessive elaboration, override the cumulative

strength of the collective body of other

considerations? No.

All of the hundreds of indicators in a

handwriting sample collectively either support

or reduce the energy of any one consideration. Any

single indicator must be corroborated by other

indicators. The analyst weighs individual

considerations and then views them in the context

of the entire writing sample; the sample is

dissected then re-built into a profile outlining

the personality.

Graphology is grounded in common sense. For

example, pressure of handwriting is symbolic of

emphasis in speech; size is representative of how

much attention you want; slant is how you react

(left = withdrawal, right = outwardly expressive);

writing movement is how you act (e.g., appears

to be moving forward quickly equates to high

drive, etc.); and signature could be interpreted

as how you want others to view you. Handwriting is

like mind-writing and handwriting analysis is a

mind interpretation method.

Graphology is a valid, ethical approach to help

define a person’s abilities and challenges, and it

can help employers run their businesses more

efficiently (before and after hiring). It can also

be used by parents, singles, couples, teachers, and

anyone else who is seeking more understanding

about themselves and others.

Scott Petullo

http://www.scottpetullo.com

Stephen Petullo

http://www.holisticmakeover.com

Copyright © Scott Petullo, Stephen Petullo

WANT TO PUBLISH THIS ARTICLE?

You have permission to publish this article as

long as it is published in its entirety, no

changes are made to the article, and the Mystic

Twins title above and our website links are 

included. We also request an advance email to

let us know what content will be used, by whom,

when, and where.