For centuries and across cultures, colors have been used to convey certain messages; such as nobility, danger, and prosperity. Colors can create such a significant impact that there is even a type of science dedicated to them. Color psychology is the study of colors and how they impact the mood and behavior of individuals. Color psychology explores how our brain perceives what it visualizes, specifically pertaining to color.    

Here are five ways color may be influencing you:

1. Cool vs. Warm Colors

Colors can stimulate certain responses within you. There are two types of classification for colors: warm and cool. Warm colors include reds, oranges, and browns and are known to create a stimulating response in individuals. Cool colors include blues and greens and create a more calming response.

2. Evolutionary Effects

Scientists have found out that certain colors have innate effects on people due to evolution. For example, red has been associated to excitement. The notion goes back to how cavemen used fire to signal danger.

3. Memories Associated with Color

Colors can also remind us of personal experiences. Such as in when seeing yellow, a person becomes generally happier because yellow reminds the individual of a childhood TV show character.

4. Evoke Different Moods

Colors can evoke different moods. For example, green is associated with the environment, which can put you in a relaxed or refreshed mood. Or blue portrays tranquility, which can calm a person.

5. Universal Meanings

The psychological effects of color may be subjective, but some colors have universal impacts. For example, black is a color that can be universally accepted as a color of mourning.

Color psychology is mostly used in marketing and advertisements today. However, much more research is needed to determine the full effects of color on the human body. In the meantime, consider putting on a yellow shirt next time you’re feeling down to brighten up your mood. Or paint your office green to feel more relaxed.

Go forth and be colorful and intentional!

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  Alexis Lopez is a recent graduate from the University of Florida where she graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. She began interning under Amanda Patterson at Caring Therapists of Broward in April 2017. Her interest in Counseling Psychology began during her time at UF when she took a class titled Intro to Counseling Psychology and has admired the field of counseling and therapy ever since. She hopes to one day become a Licensed Mental Health Counselor herself and is in the process of applying to graduate school. She looks forward to working with Amanda and her team at Caring Therapists of Broward and is eager to learn all she can during her time here.