Most of us know that color can influence our mood and emotions, but how much influence do they really have?
Dr. Zena O’Connor is continuing to explore the psychological effects color can have on our mood and emotions. She’s a designer and research associate with the University of Sydney.
Her focus is on color theory and color psychology research, “While there are no hard-wired linkages between environmental colors and particular judgmental or emotional states, popular culture suggests color prompts a range of different human responses: psychological, biological, and behavioral.“
Past research has shown that our mood, appetites, brain function and even sex drive are affected by different colors.
Color Psychology: BLUE
–Is the world’s most popular color. Dr. Martin Williams says, “From ancient times, blue has been the color of royalty, formality, seriousness and authority, so conservative Kate uses this color to establish these values,” he says.
Color Psychology: RED
-Has been noted to be an aphrodisiac and a symbol for lust.
Studies from New York’s University of Rochester suggest men are more attracted to, and are likely to spend more money on women wearing red, as it works as an aphrodisiac and symbol of lust.
Color Psychology: GREEN
-Is the least-offensive color to look at. As a result, it has a calming, restorative effect, which is why television studios have “green rooms” to calm guests’ nerves before they appear.
Color Psychology: ORANGE
-Increases productivity and encourages communication. Combining the effects of red and yellow, orange also has a positive influence on emotional states, and is the ideal color to wear for exams as it stimulates mental abilities.