Abstract:

Development of the visual-constructive ability (VCA) is crucial for successful learning at both the kindergarten, as well as school level. Several internal and external factors may prevent child from normal development of the VCA. The study was aimed at finding correlation between the VCA and mother-child emotional attachment (MCEA) in early childhood. The total of 60 kindergarten children (mean age 5.7) of both sexes were recruited in the study. Participants were provided with paper and a set of color pencils. They were asked to draw the portrait of their family. Drawing task was performed for 1 hour in the kindergarten play room. Each child was sitting separately from others at the desk. Produced portraits were divided into 2 groups: portraits where mother's figure was present (A, 41 drawings out of the total of 60) and portraits where mother's figure was omitted, although in fact, mother was not absent in the family (B, 19 drawings).

A and B were analyzed with respect to the VCA:
1. Spatial relation between the figures of family members (size of adults and children. Larger size of the study participant’s figure was not taken into account);
2. Presence of body details (shoulder, head, torso, eyes, eyebrows, mouse, nose, hair, ears);
3. Proportion of body details;
4. Presence of additional details (flowers, sun, trees, toys etc.).

The analysis revealed marked difference in the quality between A and B. All body details were present in the 92.6% and 52.6% of the A and B respectively. Proportions of body parts were distorted in 58.8 % of the B, while three cases (7.31%) of distortion were registered in the A. As compared to the B, the A was found much reach in the additional details, such as flowers, animals, trees. Drawing task is widely used to assess the development of the VCA. Analysis of the quality of drawings with respect to the presence of body details, proportions of body parts and spatial relation between figures provides information about the VCA of the child. At the same time, omission of mother's figure in the family portrait suggests impaired MCEA. Data statistical analysis confirmed the negative correlation between the quality of drawing and the omission of mother's figure in the family portrait. Data obtained suggest impaired MCEA to negatively influence the development of VCA in early childhood.

Keywords:

Visual-constructive ability, parent-child attachment, children drawing.