Abstract

Handwriting is commonly viewed as a distinctive and enduring personal marker, though it may display noteworthy fluctuations as influenced by a range of internal and external elements. The objective of this study is to investigate how stress, injury, and cognitive state influence handwriting patterns, with the ultimate goal of enhancing forensic analysis techniques. We are conducting a controlled experiment to investigate the impact of varying levels of stress (caused by psychological pressure), physical injury (affecting motor function), and cognitive state (influenced by fatigue or distraction) on handwriting characteristics like stroke speed, pressure, slant, and legibility. Participants were requested to create writing samples in different conditions. These samples were examined using qualitative and quantitative methods, such as digital handwriting analysis tools and expert forensic assessment. Our research indicates that stress and injury have a notable impact on handwriting, causing noticeable variations in consistency, pressure, and form. Meanwhile, cognitive state predominantly influences the legibility and smoothness of writing. These findings carry significant implications for forensic handwriting analysis, shedding light on the impact of emotional and physical conditions on writing patterns. This knowledge can assist in deciphering handwritten evidence in criminal inquiries. The study suggests recommendations for forensic specialists to differentiate between authentic handwriting differences and those influenced by external factors, thereby enhancing the credibility of forensic document examination.