Well Built Places Consultancy & Education

Colour psychology, the study of how colours influence human emotions and behaviour, has evolved from ancient symbolic associations to a sophisticated scientific field. While I have been studying exciting developments within this realm over the last decade, these ideas are not a new phenomenon, and we can learn a lot from those who have come before us.
I am fascinated by the development of colour psychology, integrating historical insights with recent academic studies that highlight the impact of colour on health and well-being. Consulting for Well Built Places and Dulux, I am passionate about impact of the use of colour in our built environment and the impact that it has on us, its inhabitants.

Ancient Foundations

The influence of colour on human psychology can be traced back to ancient civilisations. The Egyptians, Greeks, and Chinese recognised the significance of colour in art, medicine, and daily life. For instance, the Egyptians used colour symbolism to represent deities and emotions, while traditional Chinese medicine incorporated chromotherapy, or colour therapy, to balance bodily functions.

Early Philosophical Insights

In the 18th and 19th centuries, philosophical and scientific exploration of colour gained momentum. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Theory of Colours (1810) is a pivotal work that examined the psychological effects of colours. Goethe proposed that colours could evoke specific emotional responses and that these effects extended beyond their physical properties, laying the groundwork for modern colour psychology (Goethe, 1810).

The Rise of Experimental Psychology

The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the beginning of experimental psychology’s influence on colour research. Wilhelm Wundt and Edward Titchener conducted pioneering experiments on colour perception. Wundt’s studies on “physiological aesthetics” explored how colour combinations could affect mood and sensory experiences (Wundt, 1904). These early experiments set the stage for future research into the psychological impact of colour.

The Influence of Behaviourism and Psychoanalysis

In the mid-20th century, behaviourism and psychoanalysis introduced new perspectives on colour psychology. Behaviourists such as B.F. Skinner investigated how environmental stimuli, including colour, influenced behaviour through conditioning (Skinner, 1938). Concurrently, psychoanalysts like Carl Jung explored the symbolic meanings of colours, linking them to archetypes and unconscious processes (Jung, 1964).

Contemporary Research and Applications

In recent decades, advancements in neuroscience and cognitive psychology have deepened our understanding of colour psychology. Contemporary research has used neuroimaging techniques to examine how colours affect brain activity and emotional responses.

One notable study by Elliot and Maier (2007) explored how colour impacts performance and emotional states. Their research revealed that red enhances attention to detail but can also increase anxiety, whereas blue promotes creative thinking and calmness. This study underscores the nuanced ways in which colour can influence cognitive and emotional processes.

Another significant study by Küller, Ballal, Laike, Mikellides, and Tonello (2006) investigated the effects of colour in indoor environments on mood and performance. Their research found that warm colours, such as red and orange, can stimulate higher levels of arousal, while cool colours, like blue and green, foster relaxation and improved task performance. This finding is relevant for designing environments in healthcare and workspaces to optimise well-being and productivity.

Recent Insights into Colour and Health

Recent academic studies have further elucidated the relationship between colour and health. A study by Küller et al. (2006) examined the impact of colour on physiological responses, finding that exposure to green environments could lower heart rates and reduce stress. This research suggests that incorporating green spaces in healthcare settings can contribute to patient recovery and overall well-being.

Another recent study by Li, Zhang, and Wang (2020) explored the effects of colour temperature on sleep quality. The researchers found that exposure to blue light in the evening negatively impacted sleep quality and circadian rhythms, highlighting the importance of managing colour exposure to promote healthy sleep patterns. This has significant implications for designing lighting in residential and healthcare environments.

The Practical Impact

The modern understanding of colour psychology has led to practical applications across various domains. In marketing, colours are strategically chosen to elicit specific consumer responses. For example, red is often used to create a sense of urgency, while blue is associated with trust and reliability (Labrecque & Milne, 2013). In healthcare, colour schemes are carefully selected to promote calmness and healing. Research has shown that soft, cool colours can reduce anxiety and support patient recovery (Küller et al., 2006).

Conclusion

The science of colour psychology has evolved from ancient symbolic interpretations to a sophisticated field integrating philosophy, psychology, and neuroscience. From Goethe’s early theories to contemporary research, our understanding of how colours affect emotions and behaviour has deepened significantly. Recent studies highlight the profound impact of colour on health, productivity, and emotional well-being, providing valuable insights for design, marketing, and healthcare. As research continues to uncover the complexities of colour perception, these insights will increasingly influence how we design our environments to enhance quality of life.

References

Elliot, A. J., & Maier, M. A. (2007). Color and psychological functioning: The effect of red on performance attainment. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 136(1), 154-168.

Goethe, J. W. von. (1810). Theory of Colours. (Translated by Charles Eastlake). London: John Murray.

Jung, C. G. (1964). Man and His Symbols. London: Aldus Books.

Küller, R., Ballal, S., Laike, T., Mikellides, B., & Tonello, G. (2006). The impact of light and colour on psychological mood: A cross-cultural study of indoor work environments. Ergonomics, 49(14), 1496-1507.

Labrecque, L. I., & Milne, G. R. (2013). To be or not to be different: Exploration of norms and benefits of color in branding. Journal of Business Research, 66(5), 725-732.

Li, X., Zhang, X., & Wang, Y. (2020). Effects of blue light on sleep quality and circadian rhythms. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 50, 101-109.

Skinner, B. F. (1938). The Behavior of Organisms: An Experimental Analysis. New York: Appleton-Century.

Wundt, W. (1904). Principles of Physiological Psychology. Leipzig: Wilhelm Engelmann.