Variations of the Bender-Gestalt Test: Implications for Training and Practice

Abstract

Although the Bender-Gestalt Visual Motor Test has been a popular and influential clinical assessment instrument for the last half century, authoritative opinion and a substantial research literature are often inconsistent or contradictory. This paper documents variations in designs, administration procedures, forms, and applications to particular populations. A careful review of scoring systems indicates the current status of objective approaches as contrasted with interpretation that is global, intuitive, and subjective. Some implications of these variations and interpretive procedures for training and assessment practice are discussed. The major conclusions of the review are summarized in seven points.

Construct Validity of the Bender-Gestalt II: Comparison with Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children–III

“…Given the prolific developmental changes in the Bender-Gestalt, it has been criticized for numerous reasons including uncertainty in research outcomes (Dana, Field, & Bolton, 1983), lack of normative information, insufficient construct validity, and overextension of its use (Salvia & Ysseldyke, 2001). Similarly, the recall method for the Bender-Gestalt has been questioned because scoring is ambiguous and normative information is lacking (Lacks, 1999), despite its reported usefulness (Reznikoff & Olin, 1957;Hutton, 1966).…”