Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

Most interpretations of the Bender-Gestalt performance are primarily aimed at what purpose?

1. Screening for brain damage

2. Assessing personality

3. Evaluating executive functioning

4. Assigning a psychiatric diagnosis

The correct answer is: Screening for brain damage

The Bender-Gestalt test is primarily designed to assess perceptual-motor functioning and is most commonly interpreted as a screening tool for brain damage. By having individuals reproduce a series of geometric figures, the test can reveal difficulties in visual-motor integration, which may be indicative of neurological impairment or developmental issues. Clinicians often focus on the patterns of errors made by the test-taker, as these can provide insights into potential brain dysfunction, such as problems arising from a head injury, stroke, or other neurological conditions. While the Bender-Gestalt test may have secondary uses in assessing personality or evaluating executive functioning, its primary purpose, particularly in a clinical setting, is to identify signs of brain damage. Assigning a psychiatric diagnosis is typically beyond the scope of this test, which is more focused on perceptual and motor abilities rather than the nuances of psychological conditions.