An investigation of the possibility of differential effects of color upon human emotions

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Dorothy Richmond (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/
Advisor
Kendon Smith

Abstract: "Color affects our emotional attitudes and our behavior even when we are not aware of it."1 This statement from the pamphlet, Color Planning for School Interiors, exemplifies the viewpoint of the popular books and articles which have been written about the uses of color in such areas as advertising, merchandising, education, hospital administration, and home decoration. In the popular literature, certain emotional values are consistently attributed to each color: orange and red are supposed to be stimulating and exciting; yellow is warm, vibrant, and cheerful; blue is subduing, depressing, and soothing; green, neither stimulating nor sedative, is tranquil and peaceful; violet and purple are cold, exotic, subduing, and depressing; blue-green is cool and soothing; and magenta is exotic and pleasing. Red, yellow, and orange are supposed to make one energetic and active; blue and green to make one meditative and listless. 2,3,4

Additional Information

Publication
Honors Project
Language: English
Date: 1958

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