Tree psychology test

The tree psychology test Koch’s Baum Test It is a test created in 1952. Despite being more than half a century old, it is interesting in the clinical field for several reasons. The first, because it is useful when assessing cognitive deterioration in its early phases. Secondly, it can also reveal certain traits of our personality.

However, It should be noted that this is a projective test and, as such, it has no diagnostic validity if we use it alone.. It should therefore be administered as an auxiliary instrument, where the professional makes use of other tests and resources. Despite this, and as with other tests such as the Rorschach test or the man in the rain test, they are interesting materials that we can take advantage of in different scenarios.

The tree test draws on theories from the psychology of vocation, also from psychoanalysis, Jungian analytical thinking. and at the same time, from various mythological roots. The choice of the tree figure is therefore not accidental. It is in a way, an archetypal symbol of growing life.

It is very easy to identify with that figure no matter what our culture is.. It is a totem, it is also the representation of the cycle of humanity, our growth, identity and even our emotional state. Let’s see more data below.

Tree psychology test: purpose, application and validity

The tree psychology test is basically used to evaluate the personality of the individual and obtain data on the underlying emotional universe. Now, in recent years it has also been used in clinical practice for various reasons. Studies, such as that of Dr. Michelangelo Maserati, from the University of Bologna, show us that it is valid for detecting cognitive deterioration in dementia.

On the other hand, it is also common to use it as an auxiliary instrument in patients with schizophrenia. With it, we value thought patterns, reasoning and emotional processes. Likewise, Internal conflicts, blockages, traumas and the patient’s fears can also be sensed.. We cannot forget that the tree psychology test or the Koch’s Baum Test It draws on the psychoanalytic approach, where the unconscious world takes on great value.

Furthermore, it should be noted that can be used on any patient from 5 years old and that, above all, the ease of its application is valued.

How does it apply?

This test, like any other projective test, must be applied by a professional specialized in this type of instruments. Its interpretation is not simple and, in addition, information related to the patient must also be collected during the execution of the test itself (if he understands the orders, if he presents graphic and motor maturity, if he hesitates when drawing, if he comments something while performing the test. …).

The tree psychology test is therefore applied in the following way:

The person is offered a sheet of paper and colored pencils. The following instruction is given: “you must draw a tree with its branches and roots.” No time is set. The person must feel comfortable during the test.

Interpretation of the tree test

When interpreting and evaluating the tree psychology test, two parameters are followed:

The first is to make a global assessment of the drawing, seeing the tree as a whole.: is big? Does it appear in a corner and is very small? Have you used color or is it black and white? Is there a ground line, is it close or distant?The second type of assessment already includes the exhaustive analysis of each part of the drawing.

The log

What is the trunk like? If it is large, it reveals liveliness and self-confidence.. If it is small, it indicates shyness, fear, weakness or emotional exhaustion.

A trunk formed by straight lines outlines a person with good self-confidence.

If the trunk has wavy lines, it may indicate that the person is sociable, dynamic and extroverted.

However, If there are cavities or protruding points in the trunk, it may indicate the presence of some trauma.fears or hidden emotions.

Estate

If the tree has no roots, it may denote a lack of stability or secure bonds with attachment figures. If the roots are deep, it reveals stability and well-being.

The branches

In this test, the branches reflect the capacity for connection to the outside and the desire to reach another stratum beyond the internal self.. Thus, if the tree has no branches or they are small, it can indicate problems in sociability, in interaction with others. Large branches and an extensive crown can indicate a taste for the person’s imagination and fantasy. Also the taste for sociability, for maintaining contact with others.Large leaves: indicate desire for friendship, of social ability. Small leaves reveal shyness.If fruits appear on the branches, the person has goals and desires. to comply. Now, if the branches appear empty of leaves and are pointed and give shape to a somewhat threatening tree, we could have a person with a complex emotional universe.

The tree psychology test and its reliability

As we noted at the beginning, the tree psychology test is a projective test. Therefore, it cannot be used as the only resource to make a diagnosisis an interesting instrument as long as it is applied together with other diagnostic tests, interviews, medical reports, etc.

Now, it is also important that it be used by personnel specialized in this type of tests. Used in an auxiliary way and in certain contexts, it is undoubtedly very useful and interesting. As a curiosity, it should be noted that it is always very attractive to do, patients feel motivated to do it and, It is in the children’s area, where the most useful results are usually obtained. Be that as it may, the tree test is now more than 50 years old and continues to be a very present resource in different areas.

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