Used as a developmental test to assess visual-motor function in children, the test helps identify developmental delays, regression, loss of function, and organic brain damage in both adults and children, and sheds light on personality deviations—particularly in cases of regression—such as intellectual disability, aphasia, various organic brain injuries, psychoses, and factitious disorders.
The Bender Gestalt Test is administered to children between the ages of 5 years and 6 months and 10 years and 11 months to assess their visual-motor skills. Also used as a developmental test, this assessment can sometimes be employed to identify intellectual disability, various brain injuries, and physiological problems.
The test, consisting of 9 shapes—each on a separate card—was developed by L.A. Bender in 1938. The test, which provides information on motor perception, also assesses perceptual maturity, potential neurological impairment, and emotional adjustment. It was adapted into Turkish by Ayşe Yalın and Oya Somer. This test is also used as an individual intelligence test for individuals aged 5–11.
It is used to identify delays, regression, loss of function, and organic brain damage in visual-motor perception. It consists of 9 figures, and the individual is asked to draw them. The individual’s visual-motor perception score is calculated by assigning different points to each discrepancy between the observed and drawn figures. There is no time limit for the test.
The Bender Gestalt Test yields highly effective and accurate results, particularly when used in conjunction with a complementary test such as the Koppitz Figure Drawing Test.
Scale Type: It is a performance test. It is suitable for group administration.
Who It Is Intended For: It can be administered to children between the ages of 5 years and 6 months and 10 years and 11 months.
Administration: Pattern A is used as the introductory pattern. Then, patterns 1 through 8 are presented in sequence. The paper on which the test-taker draws the patterns must be plain, white, and unlined. One sheet of paper is sufficient. However, more than one sheet may be needed for individuals with lower intelligence levels or those who are sensory-sensitive.
Materials: 9 cards, 1 or 2 blank sheets of paper, a pencil, and an eraser.
The test has been adapted into Turkish, and validity and reliability studies have been conducted using Turkish norms. Based on these studies, we can state that the test data are reliable.