Tree Psychology Test

The tree psychology test or Koch’s Baum Test 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 impairment in its early stages. Second, it can also show certain traits of our personality.

However, it should be noted that we are dealing with a projective test and that, as such, it has no diagnostic validity if we use it alone. Therefore, it must 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 of vocation psychology, also psychoanalysis, Jungian analytical thinking, and in turn, 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 from the underlying emotional universe. However, in recent years it has also been used in clinical practice for various aspects. Studies, such as that of Dr. Michelangelo Maserati, from the University of Bologna, show us that it is valid for detecting cognitive deterioration in dementias.

• 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 draws on the psychoanalytic approach, where the unconscious world takes on great value.

In addition, it should be noted that it can be used in any patient from 5 years of age and that the ease of application is valued above all.

How does it apply?

This test, like any other projective test, must be applied by a professional specialized in this type of instrument. Its interpretation is not simple and, furthermore, 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 doubts when drawing, if he comments something while performing the test …).

The tree psychology test is therefore applied as follows:

• The person is offered a sheet and colored pencils.
• He is given the following instruction: “You must draw a tree with its branches and roots.”
• Time is not set. The person should 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 it big? Appears 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 is it distant?
• The second type of evaluation already includes the exhaustive analysis of each part of the drawing.

The log

• What is the trunk like? If it is large, it reveals vivacity and self-assurance. If it is small it indicates shyness, fear, weakness or emotional fatigue.
• A trunk formed by straight lines outlines a person with good self-confidence.

• If the trunk has wavy lines, it can indicate that the person is sociable, dynamic and outgoing.
• Now, if there are hollows or protruding points in the trunk, it may indicate the presence of some trauma, fears or hidden emotions.

Estate

• If the tree does not have roots, it may indicate a lack of stability or secure ties to attachment figures.
• If the roots are deep, it reveals stability and well-being.

The branches

• The branches reflect in this test the ability to connect to the outside and the desire to reach another layer beyond the inner self. In this way, if the tree does not have branches or they are small, it can indicate problems in sociability, in interaction with others.
• Large branches and a long crown can indicate a taste for the person’s imagination and fantasy. Also the taste for sociability, to maintain contact with others.
• Large leaves: indicate desire for friendship, social ability.

• Small leaves reveal shyness.
• If fruit appears on the branches, the person has goals and wishes to fulfill.
• Now, if the branches appear empty of leaves and are pointed and shape a somewhat threatening tree, we could have a person with a complex emotional universe.

The tree psychology test and its reliability

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

However, it is also important that it is used by personnel specialized in this type of test. 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 perform, patients feel motivated in its performance and, it is in children, where the most useful results are usually obtained. Be that as it may, the tree test is now over 50 years old and continues to be a very present resource in different areas.