Lüscher’s eight colors test: what does it consist of?

Lüscher’s eight color test allows us to obtain information that is difficult to accesssuch as certain internal conflicts, fantasies or defense mechanisms according to the preference of certain chromatic tones.

It is a projective instrument that is used in different areas of psychology such as clinical, forensic and work psychology. Despite criticism due to its imprecise validity, it is relevant for examine personality traits, competencies and abilitieswhich is why it represents a very valuable tool in personnel selection processes, for example.

What is the Lüscher eight color test?

The Lüscher eight-color test is a projective test and, therefore, loaded with subjectivity. In 1947, the Swiss psychotherapist Max Lüscher designed this instrument in order to evaluate the psychology and emotionality of people based on their preferences for certain colors. According to what was published by its creator in the book, The Luscher color test, the test is based on the fact that each chromatic tone is related to certain needs and moods.

That is the objective component of the test, since globally and, according to the psychology of colors, the same chromatic stimulation generates the same sensation in all individuals. For example, him blue It produces tranquility as it activates the parasympathetic nervous system; Meanwhile he red It is exciting because it activates the sympathetic nervous system.

Nevertheless, There is also a subjective component in that some people may feel favoritism for certain colors and others may reject them. Thus, the feeling of mystery that the black Someone may like you and someone else may dislike you. The point is that, by combining objective and subjective interpretation, you can reach curious and interesting conclusions.

How does it apply?

According to the aforementioned book by Max Lüscher, the application of the color test is very simple. It can be done both self-administered and administered by others, although its professional use is recommended.

To apply the test to another person, you present the eight cards, each one of a different color, and you ask: “Without trying to relate the colors to anything else, which of these do you like best?” The chosen card is set aside and the same procedure is repeated until there are no cards left.

Thus, the color you like the most will be placed in first place and the color that causes you the most rejection will be placed in last place.

To obtain a more solid pattern of elections It is recommended to perform at least three repetitions of the test giving the following initial command: «See these colors as if you have never seen them before. Don’t make a conscious effort to remember or duplicate what you did last time. What color do you like best now? Then, proceed with the same steps until all seven tiles have been chosen progressively.

Self-administration

To self-administer the test, it is important to find a quiet place free of distractions and be in a neutral emotional state. On the other hand, remember that it is essential that when arranging the cards you focus on chromatic stimulation. That is, you should not choose by relationship, for example “blue because it reminds me of the sea” either “I will choose red first because my car is that color.” Rather, It is the sensations that should guide the choice.

Additionally, you should keep track of the order in which you have chosen the colors and repeat the procedure three to six times, without trying to reproduce your previous choices.

Interpretation of the Lüscher eight color test

When interpreting, both the meanings associated with each color and the positions chosen for each of them must be taken into account.

In general, The basic colors (red, blue, yellow and green) are in the first positions, since they symbolize fundamental psychological needs. While black, brown, violet and gray tend to be in the last positions.

Meanings associated with colors

To better understand the interpretation of the test, we show you the meanings related to each color on which the creator of this test is based:

Fundamental colors

Blue: represents the need for satisfaction and affection. It symbolizes tranquility and emotional involvement. If it is found in the first positions, it indicates that the person seeks and needs emotional peace and harmony.Green: relates to self-preservation instincts and the need to defend oneself. If you occupy very low positions, it may indicate self-esteem problems and, therefore, dependency on others.Yellow: It symbolizes optimism and future projection. His choice reflects high creativity and dreaminess while his rejection signals rigidity and inhibition.Red: refers to action. To the need to act, conquer or obtain. Its excessive predilection indicates arrogance, impulsivity and excessive search for pleasure; while its absolute rejection warns of discouragement and lack of vitality.

Complementary colors

Violet: is representative of transformation but also instability. Furthermore, it can be related to immaturity if it is placed in the first positions or to sensitivity and empathy if it occupies central positions.Grey: is the color of the neutrality and indifference. According to Lüscher, this color is associated with isolation and coldness. People represented by gray tend to be prudent and impartial, in addition to presenting certain difficulties when committing emotionally.Coffee or brown: symbolizes the bodily and biological needs. The sooner it appears on the list, the greater the person’s desire to satisfy them. On the other hand, its rejection reflects a postponement of said needs.Black: represents aggressiveness and confrontation. It is related to denial and mourning, but also with elegance and mystery.

Validity and reliability of the Lüscher eight colors test

There are studies from the field of neurology, psychiatry and psychology that relate chromatic stimuli with certain psychological characteristics. For example, studies by Carl Jung or the clinical professor of neurology, Kurt Goldstein, on the influence that colors have on the body. Although his studies were published several decades ago, he continues to be a reference when it comes to color theory.

It is worth noting that the Lüscher eight-color test does not have much recent research on its effectiveness, since compared to psychometric tests, projective tests are questioned due to their uncertain scientific validity and their difficult interpretation. This has reduced it to areas where interpretive analysis of personality is valuable, whether in personnel selection processes and team integration.

Conclusions about the color test

As it is a projective test, its results include the subjectivity of the person who applies it. In fact, in many cases, years of experience are necessary for a professional who practices in the clinical, labor or forensic area to be able to obtain valuable information when administering this type of tests.

According to research on the reliability and validity of projective techniques, professional experience has a notable influence when interpreting these instruments. Therefore, it is a resource that It must be applied with caution and interpreted not in isolation, but in conjunction with a battery of techniques.

In short, if you want to know some aspects of your personality or your coworkers, this test can be an alternative. However, keep in mind that the results you obtain are subject to your own interpretation and do not define you as a person.

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