The Face Stimulus Assessment (FSA)
©Betts 2002

The FSA was originally conceptualized as a projective drawing assessment for use with multicultural populations: In particular, children and adolescents with multiple disabilities, and those who have communication difficulties (Betts, 2003). The assessment may also be pertinent for use with other populations: for example, Robb (2001) utilized the FSA in her work with 27 children from Russian orphanages. 

This art-based assessment tool is comprised of a series of three pieces of white 8.5” x 11” paper: Picture 1 consists of a standardized image of a human face; Picture 2 contains an outline of the face only, and Picture 3 is a blank page.

Materials:

· A standard packet of 8 Crayola markers

· A packet of 8 Crayola Multicultural markers

· Stimulus picture #1: one 8 ½ x 11” sheet of white Xerox paper depicting the complete face stimulus (see below for ordering information)

· Stimulus picture #2: one 8 ½ x 11” sheet of white Xerox paper depicting the outline of the face and neck.

· Stimulus picture #3: one 8 ½ x 11” sheet of blank white Xerox paper.

Background:
· The FSA was developed during the years 1998-2000 and was presented at the 32nd Annual AATA conference in Albuquerque, NM (Betts, 2001).
· A rating scale for measuring the FSA has been pilot tested, but further reliability and validity testing needs to be conducted. As such, art therapists are encouraged to use this assessment tool in research.

· Clinician's Packet: $20 US. Includes: Assessment Templates (Adobe PDF file), FSA Administration Guidelines, Rating Procedure and Reference List.

· Researcher's Packet: $20 US. Includes: Assessment Templates (Adobe PDF file), FSA Administration Guidelines, Rating Procedure, Reference List, researcher number and sample informed consent form.

· Please send orders to: Donna Betts, PhD, ATR-BC, The George Washington University, Art Therapy Program, 1925 Ballenger Ave., Suite 250, Alexandria, VA, 22314. The packet is sent via email.

For more information about the FSA and current research, please contact: 
Donna J. Betts, PhD, ATR-BC: DonnaBettsATRBC@aol.com

References:
Betts, D. J. (2003). Developing a projective drawing test: Experiences with the Face Stimulus Assessment (FSA). Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 20(2), 77-82.

Betts, D. J. (2001, November). Projective drawing research: Assessing the abilities of children and adolescents with multiple disabilities. Paper presented at the 32nd Annual AATA conference, Albuquerque, NM.

Hamilton, M. K. (2008). Developing a standardized rating system for the Face Stimulus Assessment (FSA) using 9 Scales adapted from the Formal Elements Art Therapy Scale (FEATS). Unpublished master's thesis, Avila University, Kansas City, MO.

Robb, M. (2001). Beyond the orphanages: Art therapy with Russian children. Art Therapy: Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, 19(4), 146-150.