The tree drawing is a graphic projection test launched by Karl Koch, affirms that the drawing of the tree is a less subtle, less elaborate graphology, but that in certain cases it allows us to see what that one does not achieve. This projective test can be used without less resistance to its drawing by children, young people and also adults. But behind that simplicity of the tree, the different basic elements that make up the structure of one’s own SELF appear captured on paper. The drawn tree is a reflection of the true personal essence of the person who drew it.
The drawing of the tree as an auxiliary psychodiagnostic means
This personality test can be applied to any age, Although, in the case of younger children, it is from the age of 5 or 6, coinciding with the consolidation of basic drawing skills, when it becomes more relevant since it is when the tree appears with all its elements.
Guidelines for its application
For the tree test you can use a plain blank sheet of paper. The instrument will be a pencil; erasers and colored pencils can also be used if the subject wishes.
To perform the test, simply ask the child: Draw a tree to your liking, To avoid questions that disturb the spontaneity of the drawing, you can add: You can paint what you want, you have absolute freedom; Any way you do it will be fine, as long as it is to your liking and according to your own idea.
After the first drawing is made, you may be asked to draw another tree “different from the first”. The aspects contained in the drawings will be taken into account. Discordant signals do not cancel each other out, but rather complement each other.
There is no time limit for its execution.
Space and its ideal division
With Max Pulver the ideal division of the paper surface into zones:
Upper zone: High, which is related to the spiritual (intellectual, ethical,…)
Median zone: heart, affections, sensitivity;
- center left. The past, the self, that leads towards what was
- Center right. The future, the you, the outside world
Lower zone: material, instinctive, subconscious.
The horizon line is the line of transit from the conscious (Above the earth) to the unconscious (Under the earth).
The drawing of the tree as a whole
The structure of the tree itself has a certain analogy with the structure of the human body: The crown (the head); the trunk (the human trunk) and the root or the lower part of the crown (the lower limbs)
Crown, trunk and roots are the global components of the tree.
As in all tests, the signals are only valid if they are analyzed together.
Tree size
Whoever feels or would like to be big, draws in large size. Size is the feeling of the SELF, of one’s own value.
- Small drawing: Feeling of inferiority or modesty
- Large drawing: Pride, vanity or desire to improve
Soil
Tree without soil: It means being uprooted, lack of support or stability
ground line
Features: Interpretation
- Hill-shaped ground: What is on top of a hill is evident and better seen: egocentrism, distrust.
- Circumscribed land: It is another form of egocentrism, less obvious, distrust, separation, withdrawal.
- Far horizon: When the horizon line is not at the base of the tree but is above it, the subject distances himself from external reality, there is passivity.
- Rising floor: Going up is painful and creates distance. Reserve, distance, difficult adaptation.
- Descending floor: Difficulty staying in a straight line, weak will, lack of firmness.
The floor line can give other shapes. The combination and intensity of the shapes will give the appropriate meaning
The roots
Drawing roots is to accentuate the fixation to the ground. They also constitute the hidden element. The transition between the most intimate emotions and the outside world.
The root is usually associated with the most instinctive part, with the most primary feelings, it would correspond to what Freud called “It”.
Proportionate and well-arranged roots at the base of the trunk imply security and good emotional contact with the family. The child feels loved. When they are omitted (from approximately 8 or 9 years old) and depending on the size of the trunk, they can signal fragility, fear, fear of the external world.
The log
It is the element most identified with the “I”. It must reflect the perception that one has of oneself and also the degree of security or confidence that one has to face the challenges of the external world. Weak, narrow, irregular, low or deformed trunks show a weak, impressionable character, which faces with fear an external world that is assumed to be hostile. Therefore, a weak trunk can be an indicator of emotional problems.
Many children with great emotional deficiencies or who have been subjected to abuse often paint a trunk with a hole in the middle to unconsciously symbolize their emotional emptiness.
According to the trace
- Straight trunk: Rigidity, self-control, discipline, reserved.
- trunk with Wavy lines: Flexibility, sociability. Docile character. If the lines are very twisted it can mean emotional suffering, feelings of guilt, anxiety.
Height
- low trunk: Internalizing character, caution in the face of the outside world, simplicity, modesty, accommodation, little spirit of self-improvement.
- tall trunk (long): Concern about projecting oneself outward, to grow, extroversion, ambition and idealism.
Broad
- trunk with provided width (according to the rest of the tree): Balance, temperance, self-confidence, self-control, planning ability.
- thin trunk: Instability (especially if the trunk is a single line), weakness, insecurity, shyness, withdrawal, little initiative, rigid thinking, mental weakness (depending on age).
- Thick trunk: Firmness, extraversion, authority, energy, self-confidence. If it is very thick, it may be a symptom of negative traits related to the exaltation of one’s own “I” (narcissism, authoritarianism, aggressiveness, individualism, stubbornness, obstinacy).
- Trunk thicker above: It is related to idealistic, spiritual people, with a great capacity for concentration.
- trunk more thick below: Calm, materialistic character.
- Trunk widened in the middle: Expression of possible loss of control, impulsivity.
- Trunk narrowed in the middle: Inhibition, possible repressions.
Inclination
- To the right: It is related to extroverted, sociable patterns, but also (depending on the drawing) with impulsiveness and little reflection.
- To the left: Introversion, closure, conservatism, routine, rejection of novelty.
Shape
- Trunk in one piece (from 11/12 years old): it is related to a lack of sensitivity, empathy, insecurity, infantilism, primitive functioning.
- Trunk open at base: Impulsiveness, emotional instability, also (depending on the type of drawing) aggressiveness.
- Trunk in an angular shape: Irritable character, not very patient, susceptible, easily angered.
Other elements
Shading: Depending on how it is done, it may be related to artistic sensitivity or, when it has been completely shaded, leaving the trunk black, with possible feelings of guilt or internal remorse.
hole in the center In young people it often represents inner emptiness, emotional fragility, personal emotional problems (depending on age with parents or partners). Wounds, stains
When they appear on the trunk stains What the child describes as wounds resulting from illness or accidents on the tree, may be projecting internal suffering (probably emotional), emotional deficiencies and also fears towards the future. We must also consider the possibility of physical or mental illnesses.
The branches and the crown
The trunk and bare branches They are perenniality, what lasts.
The branches, leaves and other elements of the upper part of the tree constitute the structures that rise above the trunk (above the “I”) and reveal the quality and intensity of the relationships with the outside world. It can be interpreted as a symbol of the arms and the direction of aspirations. Also the current mood.
According to its shape They will describe to us a person who adapts to the outside, communicates effectively with others or, on the contrary, adopts a position of withdrawal and defense of his own ego in the face of external threats.
In some drawings (especially those of younger children) the branches can be replaced by the crown. In others they appear together. The cup, according to some authors (Mauricio Xandró in Graphic Tests), is related to self-concept and the world of ideas. This element would also reflect possible current conflicts.
Characteristics
- Branches upwards: In general it is associated with optimism and extraversion. Also with the plane of ideas and aspirations. Ascending branches that project towards the sky can be a sign of the desire to grow, to interact with the world. However, if the branches end in a pointed shape or show saw teeth, they can signal impulsiveness, aggressiveness, the external environment is seen as hostile and one must defend oneself (see tree 5).
- Branches down: Fallen branches have a first meaning as an expression of a depressed, pessimistic, helpless or restless state. However, when they are drawn with a certain refinement and detail (weeping willow type) they can be associated with refined, detail-oriented people, very sensitive and prone to sadness.
- Branches ascending and descending simultaneously: Impressionable person, with poor judgment, unstable, submissive. It is considered a sign of the simultaneous presence of euphoria and discouragement that must be interpreted according to the other keys. If the branches intersect with a predominance of angular shapes: impulsiveness, tendency to criticize others, low tolerance for frustration, externalizing behaviors.
- Branches and ramifications thin: Depending on age: simplicity, sensitivity. If they are extremely thin: emotional closure, shyness (especially if there are no leaves).
- Branches and ramifications thick: If they are proportionate to the tree and well drawn: security, confidence in the future, clear ideas, perseverance. If they bifurcate: they are related to good imaginative and plastic capacities (as long as it is carried out within a drawing provided in its different elements).
- Branches open: Extraversion, tendency to analyze the environment with initiative. Also (depending on the shape of the line) impulsiveness.
- Branches closed: In general, introversion, closure, need for self-protection from the outside world.
- Branches cut: It must be interpreted within the drawing as a whole since it can have different meanings. It is often associated with: low self-esteem, inferiority complex, emotional relationship problems, but also with stubbornness or obstinacy.
- branches that emerge from the trunk: They are usually present in drawings made by teenagers. From a psychoanalytic perspective it is explained as a manifestation of developing sexuality. It can also express the need to find one’s own path (search for one’s own identity) starting from the “I” represented by the trunk.
- Small cup: (in…