Criterion Validation of the “Island” Projective Technique for Children and Adolescents With War-Related Adjustment Disorders

This article presents the results of a validation study of the original "Island" projective drawing technique, designed for work with children and adolescents who have experienced traumatic war events resulting in adjustment disorders. The "Island" technique serves as a rapid yet sensitive tool that combines a projective approach with trauma-focused logic. It enables not only identification of distress levels but also description of psychological processes, detection of maladaptation zones, and identification of available resources. The technique is suitable for group and individual work, requires no complex conditions, and does not elicit resistance in children. The drawing serves as a metaphorical key to the child's inner world and a practical instruction for professionals, helping to identify maladaptation zones and resources and chart an optimal pathway for psycho-emotional support. Evaluation of "Island" drawings was conducted by a team of psychologists according to cluster criteria, after which results were compared with SDQ and CRIES-8 questionnaire data to determine the degree of concordance. SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) assesses emotional symptoms, behavioral problems, hyperactivity, peer relationship difficulties, and prosocial behavior. CRIES-8 identifies PTSD symptoms: intrusions, avoidance, anxiety. Interviews with psychologists were conducted for qualitative verification and clarification.