Color Psychology - How Color Affects Human Behavior

What Is Color Psychology?

The study of the effect of color on the human mind and behavior is known as Color Psychology. This is not the same as phototherapy, in which ultraviolet light rays are used to cure jaundice in infants.

Color psychology vs. color symbolism

Color psychology should not be confused with color symbolism. In the latter field, the different colors are assigned different connotations. For instance, the color Red symbolizes Danger. On the other hand, in color psychology, danger is implied through the colors black and yellow. In color symbolism, the color Green often stands for Envy, while in color psychology, Green denotes balance.

Different colors in color psychology have different interpretations

In color psychology, colors related to the shade of Red, are thought to be “warm” colors, and are viewed as excitatory, active. Hues in the Blue and Green regions, on the other hand, are taken to be “cool” shades, and are considered to be soothing, passive. It has been suggested that the red colors stimulate the autonomic nervous system and increase corporal tension. The cool colors, in contrast, release tension. The warm colors like reed, yellow and orange evoke sensations like warmth and comfort, as well as passions like antagonism and aggression. The cool colors can also call to mind sentiments like grief or apathy.

Black is thought as a unique color. While it can signify sin and malevolence, it also stands for aristocracy and style. White is considered the emblem of purity, and gray hues denote tedium.

Eminent artist Pablo Picasso said, “Colors, like features, follow the changes of the emotions”.

Critics consider color psychology as an immature field of study, largely because different cultures interpret colors in different ways. However, people who practice color psychology are of the opinion that in most persons, color produces noticeable psychological reactions and physiological effects as well. Evidences exist to indicate that ancient civilizations, like the Indians and the Chinese, believed in the influence of color on human feelings and actions.

Sensitivity to color is subjective but effects of color have universal connotations

Color psychologists link colors to definite responses. Studies have revealed that performance of weight lifters increased in rooms painted in shades of blue, while babies tend to be restless and tearful in yellow colored rooms. Thus, color psychology implies that environment produces noteworthy impact on the sensations and performance of individuals present in that environment.

Chromotherapy uses colors to heal the mind and the body

Scientists are often skeptic in their views of color psychology. Researches have sometimes revealed that the effect of colors on human mind is short-term only. Still, color therapy utilizing color psychology is today an emerging field of alternative medicine. In this choromotherapy, different colors are used to treat different diseases of the mind and the body. For example,

• Red – used to stimulate circulation
• Yellow – excite the nerves and cleanse the system
• Orange – cure respiratory ailments and boost energy levels
• Blue – soothes in pain
• Indigo – allays maladies of the skin

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