The term graphology was created by combining the Greek word grapho (I write) and the suffix logos (science) and is defined as the relationship between the components that characterise writing and the dominant personality traits of the author of the handwriting and his or her behaviour. A technique of observing and interpreting handwriting patterns that constitutes part of the psychology of expression and of diagnostic psychology.

The theoretical justification for linking handwriting with the personality of the author is the connection between handwriting and impulses in the brain, which allows one to claim that it serves as an indicator of the writer’s mental, emotional, and physical state. The methodology of graphology is based on the assumption that Graphological Analysis consists of two main elements: graphic signs and their psychological interpretation. Graphic signs have been reliably classified in the relevant literature, while their interpretation is the subject of scientific research. It is maintained that handwriting is a whole (Gestalt), whose elements mutually permeate each other and whose sum is greater than the number of its constituent elements. Handwriting is a dynamic whole of its four fundamental components, which include Line, Form, Movement, and Space.

Graphology is known in England, France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Spain and the USA. The in-depth psychological findings of Freud, Jung and Szondi play a significant role in contemporary graphology.

It constitutes a unique, but complementary, competence diagnostic method that needs scientific, systematic research. Graphological Analysis includes the diagnosis of the following areas:

1. Intellectual competence – way of thinking, problem-solving, mental flexibility, planning and organisation, etc.

2. Operational competence – approach to situations and tasks, goal and performance orientation, drive, speed, energy, perseverance, adaptability, etc.

3. Personal competence – flexibility, stress tolerance, emotional stability, empathy, emotional openness, motivation, responsibility, decision-making ability, etc.

4. Social competence – adaptability, teamwork, communication skills, extroversion, agreeableness, conflict management ability, etc.

5. Leadership competence – autonomy, assertiveness, flexibility, perseverance, negotiation skills, situational overview, etc.

6. General potential – latent resources and recognition of ways to activate them, identification of obstacles hindering personal development, etc.

7. Psychological dynamics – functional and emotional structure of personality, ways of problem solving, etc.

Graphological Analysis can discover traits, attributes and talents in ourselves that we were not aware of. It allows us to disclose our potential, as well as the characteristics to be strengthened or eliminated from our personalities.

Graphology has ancient roots but developed as a formal discipline in Europe. Early observations linking handwriting to character date back to 500 BC, when Confucius cautioned about unsteady writing revealing weak resolve. Aristotle and Roman emperors such as Nero noted handwriting as an indicator of personality around 3,000 years ago. These ideas persisted informally for centuries.

In 1622, Italian physician Camillo Baldi published the first book on the topic, “How To Judge the Nature and the Character of a Person from His Letter“, analysing unique handwriting traits. Bologna emerged as a hub, with graphology still taught at its ancient university today.

Abbé Jean-Hippolyte Michon coined “graphology” from Greek roots graphe (writing) and logos (study) in the 1870s, publishing systematic works like “Système de Graphologie” after studying thousands of samples. He founded the Société Graphologique in Paris in 1871, promoting it as a science. His student Jules Crépieux-Jamin advanced holistic analysis over isolated traits.

Dr. Ludwig Klages, considered the father of modern graphology, in the early 20th century established its scientific foundations in books that combined psychology. Germany incorporated it into universities and business practices.