‘Colours are the mother tongue of the subconscious.’ - Carl Jung (7)
A single colour can have many meanings, and although its interpretation may be subjective, the effects they have on the human psyche is often universally applicable. Over the years, studies have shown that there is a close relationship between colour and human emotions and therefore, behaviour. This theory is known as Colour Psychology, which refers to ‘a range of affective, cognitive, and behavioral responses and associations linked to specific colours.’ (7).
The neuroscientific explanation on the psychology of colour and why specific colours affect us in a particular manner is related to the fact that every wavelength of light strikes the eye in a slightly different manner. The colour red has the longest wavelength and requires the most adjustment to look at, therefore appearing closer than it actually is, and grabbing people’s attention first. It has an energizing effect on the nervous system, and releases adrenaline into the bloodstream, increasing one’s heart rate, blood pressure and appetite.. Red exudes feelings of warmth, hostility and even confidence (6). Red is also the colour of love, but at the same time, one can be red with anger.
Green, on the other hand, has a shorter wavelength and is therefore calming. In the retina, these light vibrations are transformed into nerve impulses that pass through the brain— and ultimately into the hypothalamus that governs the endocrine glands, which in turn generates and secretes our hormones. Simply put, the human eye transmits colour, and sends neural signals to the brain, which through the hypothalamus, releases certain hormones (like oxytocin and cortisol), and induces our psychological and physiological reactions involving energy levels, dilation of pupils, and sweating (6).
Colour Therapy (or Chromotherapy), based on the above theory of wavelength perception, is an alternate way of treating mental illnesses. It is the concept that the colours one is surrounded by can have an effect on one’s physical and mental health (2). Chromotherapy believes that the human body ‘comes into existence from’, and is ‘stimulated by colours’, which are also responsible for the proper functioning of the numerous systems operating within the body (1).
The ‘colour cure’, originated in a mental asylum on Wards Island, where the patients, depending on their mental illness, were placed in a room dominated by a ‘primary colour.’ Those with acute mania were put in black rooms, and those with melancholia or depression in red rooms. Violent behaviour was treated by being in the presence of calming blue or green tones. White rooms were for healthy patients. It was reported that the vibrations generated in the red room immediately grabbed the attention of a depressed woman. She ‘raised her head instantly, looked into the room, and then about her. The vibrations produced by this room had evidently been felt by her, while the [differently colored rooms] had no effect. In this way the room is generally selected for the patient.’ (4).
The rudimentary idea behind Colour Psychology and Therapy is that certain colours elicit specific emotions and their resultant behavioural reactions within humans. The way they affect us can depend on our own personal experiences with that colour or other, external, socio-cultural factors. For instance, white is worn when mourning in some countries, and in others it is perceived as a symbol of cleanliness and purity (6). There is also an overlap between Indian and Chinese cultural ideas on colour. Red is associated with happiness and good fortune, often worn on auspicious occasions (5). For example, in Hindu culture, the bride wears red on her wedding day. On the other hand, the colour gives off warning signs, signifying danger such as on stop signs and traffic lights (8).
A survey was carried out on 86 undergraduate students by Hettiarachchi and Silva (2012) involved asking a series of questions to the participants including which colour they found calming, or associated with violence, and the percentile for each option was calculated. The results reinforced an already popular theory that blue and white are soothing colours, and that red and black are associated with aggression and violence (3).
Pink, a lighter shade of red, has the opposite effect on emotions and is found to be relaxing. Profusek and Rainey (1987) examined the impact red and pink rooms have on a person’s anxiety, and as hypothesized, pink evoked less anxiety (9). Therefore, these studies reinforce the idea that there is an element of universality is the interpretation of colours, supporting previous literature on the same.
While there is not a lot of scientific data proving the effectiveness of colours in treating mental illnesses, some evidence in support of chromotherapy is still considered valid. For example, hospital walls are mostly painted in soothing colours such as pale blue, green and white. It is believed to cultivate a relaxing environment that enables rest, aiding in a quick recovery (2). Due to their tranquilizing effect, cooler tones are also thought to aid in concentration (6).
There are, however, exceptions, as human reactions induced by different colours can vary. Hence, the plethora of existing research should be further built upon in order to gain a better understanding on how colours make us feel and behave. Colour Therapy can then be explored as an alternative, holistic, and substantial method to treat mental health problems. as it has a lot of scope and promise to become extremely successful.
References
1. Azeemi, S., & Raza, M. (2005). A Critical Analysis of Chromotherapy and Its Scientific Evolution. Evidence-Based Complementary And Alternative Medicine, 2(4), 481-488. doi: https://doi.org/10.1093/ecam/neh137
2. Editorial Staff, Desert Hope Treatment Center. (2020). How Colour Affects Mood and Mental Health. Retrieved from: https://deserthopetreatment.com/addiction-treatment/psychology/color-theory/
3. Hettiarachchi, A. A. & De Silva, N. (2012). Colour associated emotional and behavioural responses: A study on the associations emerged via imagination. 11(1), 21-27. doi: http://doi.org/10.4038/besl.v11i1.4583
4. Horgan, J. (2015). Why ‘Colour Cures’ for Mental Illness Endure. Scientific American Blog Network. Retrieved from: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/cross-check/why-color-cures-for-mental-illness-endure/
5. Kumar, RV. (2016). A note on colour psychology of Indian and Chinese culture and possible impact on advertising. Retrieved from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312172043_A_note_on_colour_psychology_of_Indian_and_Chinese_culture_and_possible_impact_on_advertising
6. Kurt, S. & Osueke, K.K. (2014). The Effects of Color on the Moods of College Students. Sage Open. 1-12. doi: 10.1177/2158244014525423
7. O’ Connor, Z. (2011). Colour Psychology and Colour Therapy: Caveat Emptor. 36(3) ,229-234. doi: https://doi.org/10.1002/col.20597
8. Silic, M., Cyr, D., Black, A. & Holzer, A. (2017). Effects of Color Appeal, Perceived Risk and Culture on User’s Decision in Presence of Warning Banner Message. 527-536. doi: 10.24251/HICSS.2017.065
9. Profusek, P. J., & Rainey, D. W. (1987). Effects of Baker-Miller pink and red on state anxiety, grip strength, and motor precision. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 65 (3), 941-942. doi: 10.2466/pms.1987.65.3.941
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