Is it possible to assess personality traits by means of Luscher test?

Despite 70-year history of 8-color version of the Lüscher Test there are surprisingly few empirical data so far confirming its reliability and validity. The current study aimed to fill this gap. Construct validity of popular scores of the test (ranks of color’s choices and some derivative indexes) was investigated by means of their comparison with supposedly relevant personality trait scores measured by some questionnaires. In five student’s and three military samples (Ntotal = 6643) we could not reveal any consistent evidence of a link between color preferences and the personality traits. Temporary stability of Lüscher Test scores was investigated in four samples by a total number of 1067 subjects. Stability estimates at different modes of the test administration are amounted to r = 0,319-0,473, that is quite insufficient for reliable assessment of personality traits. The results obtained are considered as evidence of uselessness of the Lüscher Test application in high stake context. Also our data call into question a validity of popular systems of interpretations of color preferences, at least in terms of personality traits.