Incidence of Rotations of Bender-Gestalt Figures in Three Age Groups of Normal Israeli School Children

Abstract

Data on incidence of rotations on the Bender-Gestalt test in 3 groups of non-clinical Israeli school children, mean ages 9:0, 10:10, and 13:2 respectively, are reported. Separate scoring of rotations from 30° to 45° showed these to be quite rare in this population. Incidence of rotations in the different Bender figures was unequal. Rotations at Grade 3 level were much more frequent in Figures A, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 8 than in Figures 1, 5, 6. Drop of incidence over age was also unequal, with Figures A, 3, and 4 retaining rotational pull longest. Rotation is assumed to be a developmental phenomenon not necessarily linked to brain damage. Its suitability in general, and of Figures A, 3, and 4 in particular, to serve as indicators of brain damage is questioned. Particular caution should be exercised in the diagnosis of brain damage in the individual case.