AND MOODS

Susan Minamyer, M.A. in Roosevelt University

Scientists have studied the effect of determined the accuracy of these on our mood and way of thinking for associations with an international many years. Since the time of Pavlov and database of over 60,000 individuals. his experiments with salivating dogs, In addition to mental associations, there have known that stimuli can are also physical responses to color. take on the properties of other stimuli energy stimulates the pituitary and penal with which they are associated. Pavlov glands, and these regulate hormones and used a bell and some meat; current our bodies’ other physiological systems. theorists are focusing on colors and the , for example, stimulates, excites and moods with which they are associated. warms the body, increases the heart rate, brain wave activity, and respiration Since everyone has different experiences, (Friedman). there will be some variability of associations to colors. There also are Bright colors, such as , reflect more some correlations that are specific to light and stimulate the eyes. Yellow is the particular cultures. However, there are color that the eye processes first, and is also universal associations that are the most luminous and visible color in the applicable to nearly everyone. There is spectrum. There may be effects from surprising consistency among authors colors that we do not even understand who describe these associations. yet. Neuropsychologist Kurt Goldstein (Eiseman, Holtschue, McCauley, Morton) found that a blindfolded person will Because of its association with nature and experience physiological reactions under vegetation, is associated with rays of different colors. The skin may be growth, fruitfulness and renewal. able to “read color” and our bodies, minds, and emotions respond (Santa Red, being the color of blood and fire, Lucia, p. 12). brings feelings of warmth, excitement, and passion. , referring to the sky The effect of colors on emotion is and lakes, associate with spirituality, currently a topic of much interest. cleanliness and tranquillity. Yellow is the Magazines such as Self, Cosmopolitan, color of sunlight and fruits, and brings McCall’s, American Health and Psychology feelings of cheer hope, and vitality. Today have articles describing the , with its reference to fire and association between color and mood. The , evokes feelings of energy and November 6, 2004 issue of the Cincinnati excitement. , which rarely occurs in Post contained an article about the effect nature, is linked to spirituality, mysticism, of color on mood, and Realty Times and creativity. Jill Morton (1997) featured and article on November 5, 2004,

www.themoodfactory.com February 18, 2015 1 about the way that color affects how aromatherapy, color therapy is used to people feel. rebalance and heal the body. According to the International Association of Colour, Color therapy is gaining acceptance in the the body achieves psychological and scientific community. In England, a physical harmony through the use of headteacher improved in color’s vibrational energy (Raines). students using “Kaleidoscope Therapy” in Products such as Philosophy’s color which colored are projected around therapy bubble bath called a therapy room, and children explore Connection, and Tony and Tina’s nail emotions through color and positive polishes named for the aura they emit affirmation (Lubbock). In the United (such as deep red for courage) reflect the States, Baker-Miller has been used in popular interest in color and emotion. jail cells to calm prisoners. Dr. Alexander There are also psychological tests where Schauss Ph.D., director of the American your personality or career needs are Institute for Biosocial Research in Tacoma determined by the colors you prefer. Washington stated, " (pink is a) (Colorwize) tranquilizing color that saps your energy. Even the color-blind are tranquilized by Color defines our world and gives pink rooms” (Walker, pp. 50-52). definition to the objects around us. The Intermittent use appears more effective human reaction to color is based on than long term exposure. nature’s symbolism, and the human psyche is what interprets these colors and University of Hawaii associate head coach gives them meaning. We are just George Lumkin was a member of the beginning to understand the subtleties of 1991 staff that saw visitor’s locker rooms the influence of color on our moods and at Iowa and Colorado State painted pink emotion, and how we can use this in the belief that the color made players influence to set a positive tone for our life. passive. Now there is a rule that a visiting team’s locker room cannot be painted a different color than the home team’s Research Sources: locker room. In other words, it can be pink, or any color of the rainbow, as Avon Goes Atomic (news). European Cosmetic long as both locker rooms are the same Markets, 19 (3) p. 76(1). Wilmington Publishing Ltd., color. (Color Matters) March 2002.

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