Color Psychology
What are the meanings of colors in terms of psychology?
Do you think that colors influence people? While perceptions of color are somewhat subjective, some colors have universal meanings. Color psychology is the emotional and psychological connection between colors and emotions. For example, when a child gets bullied because of the color of a sweater, he may hate or dislike that color in his adult time. That is why, we can say that colors have psychology and they are the reflections of emotions.
1. Color Psychology of Red
Red attracts the most attention and is associated with strong emotions, such as love, passion, and anger. It’s the universal color to signify strength, power, courage, and danger. Red is vibrant, stimulating, and exciting with a strong link to sexuality and increased appetites. Red is energizing and exciting, motivating us to act. It can also give confidence to those who are shy or lacking in willpower. It’s warm and positive, generally associated with our most physical needs and our will to survive. It exudes a strong masculine energy.
2. Color Psychology of Blue
Blue is the color of trust, serenity, and peace. It suggests loyalty and integrity as well as conservatism and predictability. This has the opposite effect on the brain than red. It is calming, reduces tension and fear, slows the pulse rate, and reduces appetite. While inspiring wisdom and higher ideals, blue is sincere, reserved, and quiet. Being cool creates a sensation of space. Because blue is the most universally favored color of all, it is the safest to use in business and airline uniforms.
3. Color Psychology of Green
Green is the color of nature, of balance and growth. It is restful and secure, symbolizing harmony, healing, and stability. It also represents security and self-reliance. Darker greens relate to money, wealth, and prestige, while lighter greens relate to rebirth, growth, and freshness. However, too much green can lead to feelings of envy, greed, jealousy, and selfishness.
4. Color Psychology of Yellow
Yellow is the color of the mind and the intellect, resonating with the left, logical side of the brain. It is creative, the tone of new ideas and new ways of doing things. Post-it notes and legal pads are yellow for a very good reason! Being the lightest hue of the spectrum, yellow is uplifting and illuminating, offering hope, happiness, and fun. It’s a warm and happy color that creates a sense of cheerfulness and playfulness, brightening people’s spirits. However, too much yellow can cause anxiety, nervousness, apprehension, agitation, and confrontation, particularly in people who are already stressed. It can also suggest impatience, criticism, and cowardice, and motivate people to become overly critical, judgmental, and deceitful.
While colors can influence how we feel and act, these effects are subject to personal, cultural, and situational factors. More scientific research is needed to gain a better understanding of color psychology.