Thursday, August 30, 2007 6:27 PM
ASTRODaija
Colorology: The Psychology of Color & how it Affects Us
According to David Johnson in an article on "Color Psychology," US researchers generally find the following to be accurate:
Black
Black is the color of authority and power. It is popular in fashion
because it makes people appear thinner. It is also stylish and
timeless. Black also implies submission. Some fashion experts say a
woman wearing black implies submission to men. Black outfits can also
be overpowering, or make the wearer seem aloof or evil.
White
Brides wear white to symbolize innocence and purity. White reflects
light and is considered a summer color. White is popular in decorating
and in fashion because it is light, neutral, and goes with everything.
However, white shows dirt and is therefore more difficult to keep clean
than other colors. Doctors and nurses wear white to imply sterility.
Red
The most emotionally intense color, red stimulates a faster heartbeat
and breathing. It is also the color of love. Red clothing gets noticed
and makes the wearer appear heavier. Since it is an extreme color, red
clothing might not help people in negotiations or confrontations. The
most romantic color, pink, is more tranquilizing. Sports teams
sometimes paint the locker rooms used by opposing teams bright pink so
their opponents will lose energy.
Blue
The color of the sky and the ocean, blue is one of the most popular
colors. It causes the opposite reaction as red. Peaceful, tranquil blue
causes the body to produce calming chemicals, so it is often used in
bedrooms. Blue can also be cold and depressing. Fashion consultants
recommend wearing blue to job interviews because it symbolizes loyalty.
People are more productive in blue rooms.
Green
Currently the most popular decorating color, green symbolizes nature.
It is the easiest color on the eye and can improve vision. It is a
calming, refreshing color. People waiting to appear on TV sit in "green
rooms" to relax. Hospitals often use green because it relaxes patients.
Brides in the Middle Ages wore green to symbolize fertility. Dark green
is masculine, conservative, and implies wealth.
Yellow
Cheerful sunny yellow is an attention getter. While it is considered an
optimistic color, people lose their tempers more often in yellow rooms,
and babies will cry more. It is the most difficult color for the eye to
take in, so it can be overpowering if overused. Yellow enhances
concentration, hence its use for legal pads. It also speeds metabolism.
Purple
The color of royalty, purple connotes luxury, wealth, and
sophistication. It is also feminine and romantic. However, because it
is rare in nature, purple can appear artificial.
Brown
Solid, reliable brown is the color of earth and is abundant in nature.
Light brown implies genuineness while dark brown is similar to wood or
leather. Brown can also be sad and wistful. Men are more apt to say
brown is one of their favorite colors.~