Culture and Acculturation in Kinetic Family Drawings by Salvadoran and Salvadoran-American Children
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: This study compared Kinetic Family Drawings created by Salvadoran children and those by Salvadoran-American children. The focus of this study was to gather information about cultural differences between the two groups and identify the indicators of those differences. Participants included 25 Salvadoran children and 14 Salvadoran- American children. Each group of children was directed to create a Kinetic Family Drawing. Results indicated graphic indicators from both groups which included differences with paper orientation, use of space, use of color, depiction of baseline, environment, size of figures, stick figures, gender role stereotypes, skin tones, depiction of self, family members, and family activity. There were apparent differences between the two groups that indicated acculturation among Salvadoran-American children. Socioeconomic and educational influences were potential factors that supported these differences. This study demonstrated the usefulness of family drawings to identify cultural implications from family dynamics as a way to increase cultural awareness among the field of mental health.
DOI: 10.25777/6sr2-nf50
Author: Gómez, Geraldine
Institution: Eastern Virginia Medical School
Language: English
Subfield: Applied Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Reduced inequalities
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7223237901