Colours have long been associated with different emotions and meanings. When we think of red, we may associate it with anger, passion or love. Blue can represent calmness and sadness. Green is tied to nature, growth and envy. The connections between colours and emotions are deeply rooted in culture, psychology and even biology.
The Psychological Effects of Colour
Studies have shown that colour can profoundly impact moods, feelings and emotions. Warm colours like red, orange and yellow are energizing and can boost excitement. Cool blues, greens and purples are often calming and relaxing. Let’s explore how two emotions – anger and love – may be linked to specific colours.
Red and Anger
Red is commonly seen as representing anger. In fact, many expressions use ‘red’ to convey anger or rage, like ‘seeing red’ and being ‘red with fury.’ So why is the colour red so tied to anger?
First, from a biological perspective, red is associated with blood, danger, and warnings in nature. When we blush from anger, our skin reddens as blood flow increases. This automatically triggers a physiological fight-or-flight response.
Psychologically, red also has an arousing effect. It raises pulse, blood pressure and respiration rates. It appears to strengthen emotional reactions, both positive and negative. In this agitated state, people are more likely to experience anger and aggression.
Multiple studies support red’s link to anger:
- In a 2009 study, participants reported feeling more angry, hostile and aggressive after seeing the colour red.
- Another experiment found that showing red prior to an IQ test negatively impacted performance, possibly due to anxiety and distress.
- Research also suggests red can trigger retalitory and avoidance motivations during conflicts.
Overall, red seems to stimulate our bodies and minds in ways that encourage anger emotions. Of course, context also plays a role. Red won’t automatically make someone furious, but it can prime people for emotional reactivity.
Blue and Calmness
Whereas red stirs up anger and aggression, blue elicits the opposite effect – feelings of calmness and relaxation. Looking at the properties of blue light helps explain why.
Shorter wavelengths of light boost brain activity, alertness and mood. Longer wavelengths, like blue light, have relaxing effects. Studies find that exposure to blue light decreases heart rate and blood pressure. It also impacts the release of calming neurotransmitters like serotonin.
Psychologically, blue is associated with stability, harmony and comfort. Used in color therapy, blue is thought to reduce stress and anxiety. Blue is often described as peaceful, tranquil and secure. Unlike the passion of red, blue conveys constancy and faithfulness.
Research on the impacts of blue includes:
- Blue light therapy is used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, reducing depression.
- Offices with blue walls and lighting see 20% greater productivity and calmer employees.
- Exposure to blue during tasks leads to improved performance and mood.
The cooling, even effects of blue explain its strong ties to calmness and relaxation. While it won’t completely eliminate angry feelings, blue can be useful for inducing tranquility and level-headedness.
Red, Romance and Physical Passion
Another emotion connected to red is romantic or sexual love. Red is commonly associated with passion, desire and physical intimacy in relationships.
As discussed, red has stimulant effects on the mind and body. It raises heart rates, respiration and blood flow across the skin. In interpersonal contexts, this can translate into elevated attraction and sexual interest between partners.
Red also has symbolic meanings tied to romance. It’s the colour of Valentine’s Day and heart shapes. Red roses and lingerie are given as romantic gifts. Red may serve as a primal visual cue, triggering sensual associations.
Studies about red and attraction show:
- Men rate women as more attractive and sexually desirable when they are pictured in or near the colour red.
- Women wearing red are seen as more interested in sex, provocative, and likely to be asked on more dates.
- Red clothing increases perceptions of status and power in women, which can be alluring.
Clearly, red carries strong connections to physical and romantic love, especially from an evolutionary perspective. It visually signals sexuality and fertility across many cultures. Context plays a role, but red often intensifies passions and attraction between couples.
Blue, Intimacy and Commitment
While red represents hot passion, blue symbolizes deeper intimacy and long-term commitment in relationships. Looking at the properties of blue light again provides insight into this association.
Recall that exposure to blue wavelengths triggers the release of serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter promotes feelings of closeness and emotional bonding between partners. Serotonin also helps regulate sleep, appetite and mood stability.
Psychologically, blue’s association with harmony, stability and comfort supports meaningful companionship. Blue conveys qualities like trust, loyalty and wisdom that form the bedrock of strong relationships.
Research on blue’s tie to intimacy includes:
- Couples feel closer and more committed after exchanging blue gifts or date tokens.
- Men display greater faithfulness and self-restraint toward partners wearing blue.
- Soft blue lighting and decor increased positive communication between couples in studies.
While red stokes fiery passion, blue seems to nurture enduring intimacy. Its peaceful effect promotes the conditions for couples to build understanding, attachment and devotion over time.
Conclusion
Colours like red and blue do appear strongly linked to emotional experiences like anger and love. The intrinsic properties of these hues produce biological reactions that drive our feelings and behaviors.
However, the context, culture and individual also shape colour associations. Not everyone will form the same connections between a colour and emotion.
Overall, red tends to intensify aggression, passion and attraction, while blue elicits calmness, intimacy and devotion. Being aware of these effects allows us to make informed decisions about how colour influences emotions in various settings.
For example, using red cautiously in workplace design to avoid undue agitation. Or leveraging blue in counselling spaces to encourage open communication between partners. With deeper understanding, we can skillfully harness colour’s potential to shape our emotional lives.
