The Karl Koch tree test is an interesting projective test to analyze our personality as well as our underlying emotional universe. Due to the ease of its application, its use in children is common; However, it is also a very fun self-analysis tool to try to get to know each other better.
The Tree test is also known as the ‘Baum test’ and was developed in the 1950s by a psychologist named Charles Koch, it has long existed, but its use remains common; However, if it is said that this test consists only of asking a child or adult to draw a tree with its roots, trunk and cup, it is possible that more than one of our readers almost instantly doubts the reliability and validity of this instrument.
- The advantages of Tree Test are that it can be quickly managed to a wide variety of people and provides interesting information about the emotional aspects that will then be compared to the results of other tests.
Before reaching this conclusion it is advisable to take into account some details, project tests are a very useful clinical tool, thanks to them we have been able to collect a lot of data on how our patients perceive, understand and manage their world. , instruments such as the Rorschach test, the human test in the rain or the tree test are very effective as complementary (non-exclusive) tests that we can use with many others.
On the other hand, and out of curiosity, it should be noted that Dr. Koch chose this figure to design his diagnostic test of tree symbolism. All cultures, all countries have in trees a reference between mythological and totemic rooted in human beings. regardless of their age, trying to capture them, trying to draw them, it’s almost like releasing the lights and shadows inside us.
This test is the same as any exercise that drives us to draw, choose a color, create a figure and position it somewhere in an empty space, offers clues about the style of our personality and also indicates a certain emotional state.
The tree test can be applied to anyone from the age of 5 or 6, just that the person has certain basic motor skills to draw.
We will have to analyze the different elements
The treetop reflects interaction with the physical and external environment. While the roots and trunk are more related to the inner and emotional world, the branches represent another psychic level.
To these values described here, are many others, such as the appearance of other “accessories”, such as houses, birds, hills ?, that is, details not required by the psychologist that can also provide relevant information. It is also good to consider the colors chosen to paint the tree, and even the size of the characters themselves.
In addition, elements such as cut branches, hollows or sores in the trunks, lack of roots or the presence of dark colors can attract our attention, all this would reveal the presence of possible trauma, however, as indicated at the beginning, the Tree Test is not used as the only diagnostic test, it is an interesting tool that, along with some other , can help us collect information to give a more accurate final diagnosis.