Personality tests that use color analysis are designed to reveal information about an individual’s personality traits, values, and behavioral tendencies based on their color preferences. The origins of color personality tests can be traced back to the early 20th century and the work of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. Since then, a number of different color personality models have been developed and color psychology has become a popular tool for self-discovery and understanding relationships.
The Four Color Personalities
One of the most well-known color personality models is the four color personalities, which categorizes individuals into one of four types based on their color preferences: red, blue, green and yellow. This system was popularized in the 1980s by personality expert Don Lowry.
Those with red as their favorite color are said to have a powerful, intense and bold personality. Reds are action-oriented go-getters who thrive on variety and challenge. They can be demanding in relationships and value honesty and openness. The color red stimulates and energizes this personality type.
People who favor the color blue are said to have a loyal, reliable and analytical personality type. Blues are planners who value stability, harmony and cooperation in relationships. They have a calming effect on others. This personality type feels most comfortable when their life is well-ordered and organized.
Those whose favorite color is green are said to have a social, flexible and compassionate personality. Greens value balance, growth and harmony. They enjoy learning new things and prefer careers that allow them to help others in some way. The color green has a stabilizing and calming effect on this personality.
Individuals who choose yellow as their top color are friendly, outgoing and optimistic. Yellow personalities are continually on the lookout for new adventures. They thrive on change and are typically very persuasive. Yellow energizes this personality type.
Primary and Secondary Colors
Some personality tests build on the four color system by incorporating both primary and secondary colors. One example is the True Colors personality assessment.
In this model, those whose favorite color is blue are labeled “Logicians” and are described as analytical, orderly and detail-oriented. Greens are known as “Adventurers” and are independent, unconventional and visionary. Yellows are called “Socializers” and are described as charming, enthusiastic and impactful on others. Reds are known as “Organizers” and are determined, commanding and purposeful.
The secondary colors represent combinations of two primary colors:
- Orange (red and yellow) – “Entertainers”
- Violet (blue and red) – “Creators”
- Gold (yellow and blue) – “Helpers”
- Green (yellow and blue) – “Thinkers”
Entertainers are inspiring, dramatic and enjoy being the center of attention. Creators are innovative, unconventional and visionary. Helpers are patient, generous and possess excellent listening skills. Thinkers are curious, conceptual and enjoy solving complex problems.
The Color Code
Psychologist and author Taylor Hartman delineates four personality types based on color in his self-help book The Color Code: New Way to See Relationships.
In Hartman’s system:
- Reds are motivated, action-oriented and thrive on physical challenges
- Blues seek intimacy, understanding and affection in relationships
- Whites value peace, cooperation and connection with others
- Yellows crave fun, variety and the chance to start new projects
Hartman argues most conflict arises from the different needs and orientations of the four personality types. Understanding and properly aligning color personalities promotes better relationships.
Lüscher Color Test
The Lüscher Color Test was created by Swiss psychologist Max Lüscher in the 1940s. It uses eight different colors to identify personality traits and emotional states.
Subjects rank eight colored cards from most to least preferred. The colors and their psychological significance are:
| Color | Personality Traits |
|---|---|
| Dark blue | Self-confidence, calmness, concentration |
| Yellow | Spontaneity, playfulness, warmth |
| Red | Vitality, passion, sexuality |
| Violet | Sensitivity, profundity, wisdom |
| Brown | Orderliness, convention, materialism |
| Green | Self-reliance, obstinacy, sense of belonging |
| Orange | Social interaction, ambition, self-affirmation |
| Black | Not related to personality. Signals stress or anxiety. |
By analyzing color preferences, the Lüscher test identifies personality strengths, weaknesses, emotional states, and internal conflicts.
Consulting the Experts
While popular, it is important to note that the validity of color psychology has been questioned by some experts. Critics argue that links between color and personality are overgeneralized and not scientifically proven. There is also debate around whether nature or nurture determines color preferences.
Before putting full faith in any color personality assessment, it is wise to consult the experts. Look for tests designed by trained psychologists or professionals with expertise in color psychology. Seek credible resources that provide evidence for their color profiles. Be wary of tests that pigeonhole individuals or make overly definitive pronouncements.
Think of color personality tests as tools for self-reflection, not indisputable truth about your character. Consider them as a starting point for understanding yourself and others, not a final verdict. The most reputable tests use color preferences as one window into the complexity of human personality.
Using Color Personality Tests
When used correctly, color personality assessments offer benefits for self-awareness and relationship-building. Tests can reveal our tendencies, motivations and interactions with others. Learning about color personalities allows us to appreciate differences in values and perspectives.
In relationships, knowledge of color profiles helps us understand compatibility. Someone may complement our personality or clash with our needs based on color preferences. Identifying color types allows us to tailor our communication and manner of relating.
In the workplace, color personality tests assist with team-building, management styles and enhancing productivity. If coworkers understand one another’s color profiles, they can better collaborate on projects in ways that optimize everyone’s abilities.
For personal growth, color assessments help us identify areas for development. We might seek to enhance strengths associated with our color type or find balance by cultivating traits from a less dominant color.
Conclusion
Color personality tests offer us a creative, visually engaging way to comprehend our own and others’ personalities. While their validity relies on the expertise of their creators, they remain useful tools for discovery when applied conscientiously. With insight into color profiles, we can deepen self-knowledge, empathy and rapport in all areas of life.
