Journal of Analytical Psychology, 2003, 48, 83-99 Picture interpretation and jungian typology Derek P Bergeron, David H. Rosen, Randolph C Arnau& Nathan Mascaro Texas USA Abstract: This study examined a Jungian picture interpretation schema, which utilizes a specific quadrant method. This proposed schema, which is used in training at the C G. Jung Institute in Zurich, attaches significance to specific areas of a drawing. The upper left of a drawing is associated with the father; the lower left with the uncon- cious; the lower right with the mother; and the upper right with the future. Three questions served as the foci of this study: Is the schema valid? Do certain types within Jung s personality theory respond better than others to the schema? Does the schema work best when it elicits a strong affective rest from the person who created the picture? Subjects took one of two tests: a space domain test, or a colour associative test. The results revealed only two significant effects: a positive association(in the space domain test) between unconscious material with the unconscious quadrant and a negative association(in the colour associative test)of mother material with the mother quad ant. These results suggest that the Jungian quadrant schema used to interpret drawings invalid and of minimal practical utility. Other methods of discussed as well as suggestions for future research that would be helpful to this field Key w vords: active imagination, emotionality, Jungian typology, picture interpretation, Picture interpretation and Jungian typology Active imagination in Carl Jungs psychology, which can lead to artistic pro- ductions such as colour drawings and pictures, is reckoned to be a revealer and a healer of personal conflicts (ung I9I6). Such a powerful technique can be used for constructive purposes. One way this technique has been utilized is by the development of a quadrant picture interpretation method to approach artistic creations within a diagnostic and therapeutic format. This picture interpretation method is the main focus of this study The quadrant schema, used in analytical Jungian psychology, attaches sig- nificance to specific areas of a drawing. Each of the four quadrants is associ- ated with a different meaning. See Figure I for a diagram of the schema. The upper left hand area is associated with the father; the lower left is associated with the unconscious; the upper right is associated with the future; and the lower right is associated with the mother. This schema is sometimes used ∞o2I-8774/203/480/83 O 2003, The Society of Analytical Psychology Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 96oo Garsington Road, Oxford OX4 zDQ, UK and 3 so Main Street, Malden, MA oz148, USAJournal of Analytical Psychology, 2003, 48, 83–99 0021–8774/2003/4801/83 © 2003, The Society of Analytical Psychology Published by Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 9600 Garsington Road, Oxford OX4 2DQ, UK and 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148, USA. Picture interpretation and Jungian typology Derek P. Bergeron, David H. Rosen, Randolph C. Arnau & Nathan Mascaro Texas, USA Abstract: This study examined a Jungian picture interpretation schema, which utilizes a specific quadrant method. This proposed schema, which is used in training at the C. G. Jung Institute in Zürich, attaches significance to specific areas of a drawing. The upper left of a drawing is associated with the father; the lower left with the uncon￾scious; the lower right with the mother; and the upper right with the future. Three questions served as the foci of this study: Is the schema valid? Do certain types within Jung’s personality theory respond better than others to the schema? Does the schema work best when it elicits a strong affective response from the person who created the picture? Subjects took one of two tests: a space domain test, or a colour associative test. The results revealed only two significant effects: a positive association (in the space domain test) between unconscious material with the unconscious quadrant and a negative association (in the colour associative test) of mother material with the mother quad￾rant. These results suggest that the Jungian quadrant schema used to interpret drawings is invalid and of minimal practical utility. Other methods of picture interpretation are discussed as well as suggestions for future research that would be helpful to this field. Key words: active imagination, emotionality, Jungian typology, picture interpretation, quadrant schemas. Picture interpretation and Jungian typology Active imagination in Carl Jung’s psychology, which can lead to artistic pro￾ductions such as colour drawings and pictures, is reckoned to be a revealer and a healer of personal conflicts (Jung 1916). Such a powerful technique can be used for constructive purposes. One way this technique has been utilized is by the development of a quadrant picture interpretation method to approach artistic creations within a diagnostic and therapeutic format. This picture interpretation method is the main focus of this study. The quadrant schema, used in analytical Jungian psychology, attaches sig￾nificance to specific areas of a drawing. Each of the four quadrants is associ￾ated with a different meaning. See Figure 1 for a diagram of the schema. The upper left hand area is associated with the father; the lower left is associated with the unconscious; the upper right is associated with the future; and the lower right is associated with the mother. This schema is sometimes used to