Can Color Affect Your Mood and Behavior?

While most perceptions of color are subjective, some color effects have universal meaning. 

• Colors in the red area of the color spectrum are known as warm colors and include red, orange, and yellow. These warm colors evoke emotions ranging from feelings of warmth and comfort to feelings of anger and hostility.
• Colors on the blue side of the spectrum are known as cool colors and include blue, purple, and green. These colors are often described as calm, but can also call to mind feelings of sadness or indifference.
  

• Red was used to stimulate the body and mind and to increase circulation.
• Yellow was thought to stimulate the nerves and purify the body.
• Orange was used to heal the lungs and to increase energy levels.
• Blue was believed to soothe illnesses and treat pain.
• Indigo shades were thought to alleviate skin problems.

Most psychologists view color therapy with skepticism and point out that the supposed effects of color are often grossly exaggerated. Also, one’s feelings about color are often deeply personal and rooted in their own experience or culture.

Much of the evidence in this emerging area is anecdotal at best, so more scientific research is needed to gain a better understanding of color psychology.

• The mood-altering effects of color may only be temporary.
• Warm-colored placebo pills may be more effective than cool-colored placebo pills.
• Installing blue-colored streetlights can lead to reduced crime in those areas.
• Red causes people to react with greater speed and force, something that might prove useful during athletic activities.
• Sports teams dressed in mostly black uniforms are more likely to receive penalties and that students were more likely to associate negative qualities with a player wearing a black uniform.
• Seeing the color red before taking an exam may hurt test performance.
• Certain colors have been associated with increased blood pressure, increased metabolism, and eyestrain.

Color preferences can sometimes make a statement about how we want other people to perceive us. Other factors such as age and gender can also influence the color choices we make.

The personality of the buyer can play an important role in color selection, but buyers are often heavily influenced by factors such as price and other practical concerns.