CORRECTIONS IN HANDWRITING

Source: Encyclopedia For Handwriting Analysts, Volume Four

Copyright © 1986-2008 Erika M. Karohs, Pebble Beach, CA. All Rights Reserved.

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In some cases, corrections may have no significance at all as indicators of the

writer’s character. If, for instance, the writing is immature, corrections merely
indicate the unskilled hand of the writer not fully accustomed to the pen. Under
other conditions, they may offer insight of great value.

Klages writes that the frequency of corrections is not a determining factor since
this could be caused by “absentmindedness, inability to concentrate, thinking
which is faster than the writing tempo, etc.”1 Not the frequency of corrections
is a determinant but the way and manner in which the corrections have been made.

According to Brooks corrections can occur in the following way:

• Additions to restore characteristic letter forms. The writer’s hand may have been
cold or writing conditions poor. On reading the text, the individual may touch up
certain letters to restore the proper letterform.

• Improvements for the sake of legibility. The writer may touch up certain words
and letter in order to make the writing easier to read.

1
Ludwig Klages, Handschrift und Charakter, Johann Ambrosius Bart Verlag, Leipzig, 1942, p. 56.

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In both cases, corrections were done to improve legibility and therefore are
positive. They manifest the writer’s consideration toward the reader, his desire
for clear communication and his conscientiousness.

If legibility decreases, corrections are negative. Normally, crossing out a letter

or word horizontally or in a zigzag pattern makes repairs. If, however, the letter
or word is not crossed out and the individual writes into the letter instead, a less
legible structure or word is usually created.

This denotes a tendency toward covering up of character deficiencies, which are

painful for the writer to admit.

Klages adds that if corrections are done too frequently and too perfectly, they
evidence neurotic disturbances.

The Meaning of Corrections

Corrections in the lower zone
These corrections relate to disturbances in the sexual area, the area of
productivity, or the area of interpersonal relationships.

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Corrections in the middle zone
Such alterations are related to troubles with the writer’s emotional feelings and
to difficulties in the area of close personal relationships.

Corrections in the upper zone

These kinds of improvements signal discord in the area of mental processes.

Känzig explains that “the correction of loops confirms the writer’s insecurities in
the area which the loops represent. When the written message becomes more
illegible because of the corrections, the writer suffers from repressed feelings
of guilt.”2

Corrections and tuberculosis

An abnormal tendency toward corrections is characteristic for the writings of
individuals afflicted with tuberculosis.

Corrections as a sign of dishonesty

If the touching-up of letter forms cannot be accounted for on any of the above
grounds and if the writing speed is slow, corrections are one of the symptoms of
deceit and dishonesty. They are indications of pretense, the attempt to create a
more, favorable impression, and insincerity. Brooks cautions, however, that “such
an interpretation can only be regarded as correct we find in the script several
other indications of the same failing. We must never assume from the mere
presence of touched-up letters that the writer is insufficiently aware of the

2
Rudolf Känzig, Mensch und Graphologie, Wilhelm Heyne Verlag, M8nchen, 1977, p. 145.

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distinction between his own property and that of other people. Such a defect of
character will inevitably reveal itself in a number of different ways.”3

Pulver states:”In combination with other signs of dishonesty, retouchings are

condemning evidence. The bad conscience is evidenced through inner insecurity,
outwardly feigned exaggerated correctness and alleged conscientiousness.”4

Corrections and psychopathy

According to Brooks, the desire for self-deception can be observed in the
writings of psychopathic persons who increase its illegibility by covering already
written passages with new syllables and words.

Corrections in compulsive writing

Compulsive individuals may touch up their writing with the intent to increase its
legibility. Since this is a compulsion, they cannot cease correcting, even though
this has a negative effect on legibility. Brooks states that “out of an inferiority
feeling, the writer is anxious to correct herself as much as possible. . .but instead
of improving he adaptation to others and to her work, she only increases her
difficulties. These touchings-up reveal a constant compulsion of self-
observation.”5

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3
C. Harry Brooks, Your Character From Your Handwriting, George Allen & Unwin Ltd., London, 1930, p. 87 88.
4
Max Pulver, Symbolik der Handschrift, Orell Füssli Verlag, Zürich and Leipzig, 1931, p. 286.
5
C. Harry Brooks, Your Character From Your Handwriting, George Allen & Unwin Ltd., London, 1930, p. 87 88.

www.karohs.com Copyright © 1986-2018 Erika M. Karohs, Pebble Beach, CA.