graphologia

Graphology is the pseudoscientific study of handwriting with the aim of determining a person's personality traits, mental state, or psychological tendencies based on their written expression. The practice involves analyzing various aspects of handwriting, such as size, form, pressure, slant, spacing, and rhythm, to infer character features. Proponents claim that handwriting reflects unconscious traits and that the subconscious mind influences how a person writes.

Historically, graphology has roots dating back to the 19th century, with early practitioners claiming their methods could reveal insights into an individual's character and emotional stability. Despite its popularity in certain circles and its application in areas such as employment screening or forensic analysis, scientific evaluations have largely discredited graphology. Numerous rigorous studies have found no consistent or reliable correlation between handwriting features and specific personality characteristics, leading mainstream psychologists and scientists to classify it as a pseudoscience.

Critics argue that interpretation in graphology is highly subjective and lacks empirical support, making it prone to biases and errors. They also point out that handwriting can be influenced by factors unrelated to personality, including age, health, education, or physical conditions. While some legal systems have used handwriting analysis in forensic investigations to identify or exclude suspects, this application is distinguishable from psychological assessments derived from graphology.

Despite the scientific consensus, graphology remains popular in some cultural contexts and as a tool in personal development, though its claims lack validation in scientific literature. Today, it is generally regarded as a pseudoscience without validated predictive or diagnostic capabilities.