Scientists know how a baby’s vision develops, but have not yet agreed on which colors a newborn is able to see and which colors it cannot. One thing is known: a baby’s eyes are not too sensitive to bright colors, which is why he falls asleep so easily even in rooms with the lights on.
Over time, the baby learns to distinguish dark colors from light ones, and by the age of several months he can already recognize the entire rainbow spectrum. The baby cannot yet distinguish shades, so most rattles, teethers and other children's toys are made in simple bright colors. Moreover, it is brightness that attracts children: studies have shown that children look at green, red, blue and purple toys much longer than at brown and gray ones.
Even small children like it when there are a lot of bright colors. They prefer multi-colored ones to monochromatic toys.
Preferences in shades also vary depending on gender. Thus, women distinguish color variations better than men, and tend to like reddish shades - red, pink, purple, lavender. Men often call blue tones their favorite. However, some attribute this to marketing, which offers mostly blue and cyan for boys, and pink and lavender for girls.
As a child ages, his color preferences may change, and this is normal.
Psychology of color perception and the effects of color
Colors not only make our existence brighter, but also determine our mood and influence our thoughts and actions. By distinguishing colors, we better recognize objects in the surrounding world and cope better with vital tasks. Colors also carry information important for communication. Research on the psychology of color perception clearly describes the effects of color in different life situations.
“The theory is dry, my friend, but the tree of life grows lushly green.” In a good Russian translation of Faust, this textbook phrase sounds exactly like this, but Goethe’s original text still looks somewhat different. In the original, this phrase sounds like this: “Grau, teurer Freund, ist alle Theorie, und griln des Lebens goldener Baum” (J.V. Goethe, “Faust” part I, scene IV). The great poet calls the theory not dry, but gray, and his green tree of life is also golden. Goethe attributes a specific meaning to each color.
What the brilliant poet and color researcher expressed in poetry is still relevant today: colors play a very important role in our lives. Colors not only make our existence brighter, but also determine our mood and influence our thoughts and actions. By distinguishing colors, we better recognize objects in the surrounding world and cope better with vital tasks. Colors also carry information important for communication. Numerous studies on the psychology of color perception clearly and in detail describe the effects of color in different life situations. This knowledge is also applicable in the development and implementation of retail concepts.
In our study, we will first consider the neurophysiological aspects of color perception.
How we perceive colors
Color is a sensory impression that occurs when wavelengths of light stimuli (electromagnetic radiation in the range of approximately 180 to 780 nm, the so-called light spectrum) strike the pupillary receptors. From there, this impulse is transmitted through neural networks to the brain and begins to be perceived as color. The perception of the color of surrounding objects is always subjective, since it arises only in the brain of the beholder. In the physical sense, objects do not have color, we just perceive them that way.
The physiological aspect of color perception is that during the process of evolution, photoreceptors appeared on the back of the human pupil. When exposed to electromagnetic waves with a length of 380 to 780 nm, they are capable of generating a physiological (nervous) signal. There are two types of photoreceptors: rods and cones. The rods recognize only the contrast of black and white, are very photosensitive and make vision possible in twilight and darkness. Cones are responsible for the perception of color. There are three types of cones that perceive short (blue), medium (green) and long wavelengths (red) of color radiation. Each combination of light rays falling on the retina excites these three types of cones in a certain way and gives a corresponding impression of color. Nerve impulses that originate at photoreceptors are transmitted through neural networks to the brain (transduction), where colors are eventually perceived consciously.
Psychology of color perception
Numerous psychological and sociological studies on this topic give a generally uniform picture. On the one hand, the emotional impact of colors is determined by the properties of universal objects (blue sky, red blood, yellow sun, green grass, etc.), on the other hand, by the influence of culture, and it does not matter whether we are aware of its influence or not. In everyday life, not only painters, designers, graphic artists and other representatives of artistic professions deal with the symbolism of flowers. The emotional impact of flowers is reflected, for example, in language - everyone is familiar with the expressions “like a red rag for a bull”, “people in white coats”, “turn black with anger” and many others. The table gives options for the symbolism of flowers and the nature of their impact on humans.
| Color/tone | Associations and impact |
| Bright colors | Liveliness, brightness |
| Soft (pastel) colors | Calmness, softness |
| Yellow | Friendliness, cheerfulness, energy, liveliness, “sunny” atmosphere. When used over a large area, it creates a feeling of “cheapness” and causes anxiety. |
| Orange | Warmth, confidence, light. When used over a large area it also creates a feeling of “cheapness” |
| Blue | It has a relaxing, calming effect. By itself or in combination with white, blue color inspires a feeling of cold, sterility, and uncommunicability. Associated with ice and sea. The color of fidelity |
| Green | Stability, reliability. It has a refreshing, calming or neutral effect. Associated with nature and spring. Color of life |
| Brown | Creates an atmosphere of comfort and safety. Shades of brown are perceived as pleasant and conducive to communication. Beige color is perceived as pretentious. It is also the color of tradition. He is also credited with the meanings of “poverty”, “laziness”, “stupidity” and “philistinism” |
| Red | Activates and excites. A warm color that has long been considered the color of passion, provocation, and danger. This is the color of extremism, extremes |
| Pink | This color is much calmer than red. Pink is associated with intimacy and happiness. |
| Grey | Dignity, confidence. However, this color can have a depressing effect and inspire thoughts of old age. Emotionally – neutral |
| Black | Conveys depth, but can have a depressive effect, suggest thoughts of illness and death (mourning). In addition, it is associated with power |
| White | Symbolizes innocence, divinity, neutrality, and when used over a large area creates a feeling of sterility. |
Description of the study
When studying color perception, we conducted two experiments. In the first of them, subjects (10 men and 10 women) were shown differently colored slides and recorded neural activity when perceiving one color or another.
In the second experiment, participants were shown 30 photographs of couples kissing. Among these photographs were both monochrome (painted in different colors - red, yellow, blue, green, black) and color. Each picture appeared in six color variations (in random order, for one second). The subjects received the instructions: “You will be shown photographs of kissing couples. Some of the photographs are portraits of ordinary people, some are stills from films. Please rate how strong you think the feelings of the people in the photo are (on a scale of 1 to 5).”
When conducting the experiment, we specifically asked to “evaluate the feelings” of the people in the photographs, so that the attention of the experiment participants was not directed either to the color or to their subjective attitude towards it. It was studied how different shades of colors affect the emotional assessment of a particular photograph.
Research results
1. Color and transduction. The process of transduction (“translation” of a color stimulus into the language of the brain) when perceiving different colors takes a different amount of time and causes neural activity of varying intensity in the corresponding areas of the brain, depending on which color is being processed.
Before the onset of conscious perception (approximately 200-300 ms), green and blue produce stronger neural excitation in the frontal lobe of the brain than red. Red, in turn, during the same time period activates neural activity in the occipital and temporal zones, which indicates the strong emotional impact of this color. It has been scientifically proven that impulses from visual stimuli, having passed through the occipital and temporal zones, immediately enter the limbic system (the location of emotions). The truth of the saying “Blue is the color of reason, red is the color of passion” has now been proven from the point of view of neurophysiology.
2. Colors and emotions. The influence of colors on the emotional perception of the surrounding world is also explained by the fact that the peak of neural activity during color perception occurs 50-150 ms from the moment the stimulus begins (the period of subconscious perception). Thus, colors have a huge impact on cognitive (consciously experienced) processes, since during the period of their subconscious processing they cause a peak in neural activity.
3. The effect of colors on conscious perception. During conscious perception (which begins after 300 ms), colors affect neural activity in very different ways. In other words, the experience gained in the process of sociologizing the subject, as well as his individual color preferences, personal qualities and motivation structure have a very large influence on the perception of colors.
Exposure to certain colors causes similar reactions in different cultures. Thus, red color affects more intensely than blue and green, a bright contrasting combination of colors has a stronger effect than a dim one. If, for example, facial expressions (a biological reaction to a stimulus) are global, it is incorrect to talk about the existence of uniform reactions to different colors: the influence of cultural and social associations is too strong.
4. Color and gender. It would be interesting to conduct a detailed study and comparison of neurophysiological reactions in a time period up to 200 ms (subconscious perception) in men and women. It turned out that neural activity during color perception is higher in women than in men. Since this phenomenon was observed during the period of subconscious perception, it can be assumed that women react more emotionally to colors in general. On the contrary, men are more strongly influenced by black and white images.
Arndt Traindl, CEO of Retail Branding AG. The material is published in an adapted translation from English
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Green in psychology
Even at school, children are taught that when yellow and blue are mixed, the color green is obtained. The psychology of color also confirms its versatility. This suggests that the shade represents the duality of the world.
The meaning of green is the ability to comprehend the wisdom of the Universe. This is the color of calm and balanced people. There is a reason why it is used in hospitals to decorate patient rooms. Walls painted appropriately help normalize blood pressure and heart rate.
Many of us are familiar with such expressions: turning green with anger, green melancholy. This definition reveals the qualities of color from the negative side. But everything is not so bad, because its positive meaning is much broader. In fact, many people are interested in what the color green means in psychology. This is especially true for people who prefer it in their clothes, as well as children who love to draw with green pencils and paints.
Human color perception
If we look around, we will see not only the shape of the surrounding objects, but also different colors. Physicists define color as a wavelength in the electromagnetic range, i.e. The color of an object is a certain objective fact, the ability of an object to absorb and emit light waves.
We distinguish colors thanks to special cells on the retina of the eye, which capture radiation in the optical range and transmit the signal to the brain, where a “picture” of the object appears. In humans, there are three types of such cells that perceive the blue, green and red parts of the light spectrum. Therefore, all the colors that we see consist of the sum of the sensations of these three colors.
It would seem that color is some kind of objective fact, a physical phenomenon. However, different colors have different effects on the physical and psychological state of a person. Human color perception is a complex of different processes. The psychology of color perception studies these relationships .
Article navigation: “Psychology of color perception: how to use color to improve your mood?”
- Mood and color
- If everything seems gray
- Listen to yourself
- Let's look for color in fruits and vegetables
- Art therapy
- Nature around us
- Small steps - every day
For example, researchers talk about human genetic memory. For thousands of years, red has been associated with fire, the color of blood, green with the surrounding nature, foliage, blue with sky, water, etc. So, gradually the colors began to carry a subconscious message: red - danger, activity, green - peace, development, blue - calm, space.
The physiological effect of colors has also been proven at the experimental level: red color excites the nervous system, causing increased respiration and heart rate. Blue color, on the contrary, has an inhibitory effect on our nervous system. The visual pathways in the brain are anatomically connected to various brain structures responsible for the activation and inhibition of the nervous system, the state of blood flow, and muscle tone.
Color perception - how does it function?
Color perception is one of the functions of vision, thanks to which a person perceives the world in all its variety of colors and shades. The refractive system of the eye and the retina, on which light rays are collected after refraction by the lens and cornea, are responsible for image formation. The color of the picture is determined by the central point of the retina - the macula, or more precisely, the cones. These photoreceptors provide color vision and are involved in photopic (daytime) vision.
There are three primary colors in nature: red, green, blue. The entire variety of shades, of which there are several tens of thousands, is formed by mixing these three main tones. This theory was put forward by Lomonosov in 1756. T. Jung conducted his research in the same direction. Subsequently, the idea of three-component color perception was supplemented by G. Helmholtz and his students. There are three types of cones, each containing a specific pigment. In other words, the macula contains blue, red and green cones. In this case, color waves, regardless of their length (spectrum), immediately affect the entire cone apparatus. If there are any defects in it, the color perception will be incorrect. In this case, we are talking about color vision disorders. They are caused by pathologies of the optic nerve, retina, and nervous system.
Color vision disorders are rare. Approximately 8% of all men have congenital impairments of this visual function, but this does not mean that they cannot distinguish colors at all. In most cases, one of the spectra is not available to them. In women, problems with color perception are even less common (approximately 0.5% of cases). Color vision disorders can create some difficulties when choosing an activity. Information is often presented in the form of color signals - in transport, industry, agriculture and other areas.
If everything seems gray
It's no secret that a typical city dweller in the middle zone sees around him mostly colors of gray shades for almost six months. Gray sky, gray asphalt, concrete houses. There are no foliage, no flowering beds. And people often dress in black and gray for practical reasons. A certain “color hunger” arises, which makes a negative contribution to the emotional state and mood. It begins to seem that the mood and color around is as if everything is colorless, gray.
You can trace the connection between the perception of color and emotions. Remember your feeling, for example, from a festively decorated room, colored lights on the New Year tree, and, as the opposite, some gray, monochromatic government room.
When do you have emotions, fantasies, new ideas?
As we wrote above, color and emotions are physiologically connected; this is an ancient human reaction to the surrounding reality. The presence of color automatically makes the corresponding parts of the brain work. But the gray scale (it is also called achromatic, i.e. essentially colorless, it contains only degrees of lightness) does not give a person such sensations.
The predominance of achromatic colors around us in itself weans us from color sensations. We get used to not seeing color and feeling emotions less. There is a feeling of some “frozenness”. We are immersed in our thoughts, we make plans, we calculate the possible outcome of our actions. We think with our heads. But feelings are a different layer. Feelings will not deceive us, and only they will answer the question of how to make us feel good.
Therefore, it is worth thinking about how to add bright colors to your life. Here are just a few ideas that do not require large energy or financial investments.
Add color to the interior - for example, put bright pillows on the sofa, hang pictures or a calendar with views of nature or animals on the walls, buy bright towels, a tablecloth, napkins. If possible, you can change the curtains or carpet, bed linen. Review your wardrobe - add, for example, a bright scarf, scarf, or umbrella. At home, you can dress in brighter colored clothes - it will be pleasant for both you and your family members.
Love for the color green in general
Many fans of different shades of emerald, coniferous and others are interested in what the color green means in psychology. If a person prefers the color green, this indicates that his success in his career is largely due to luck. In addition, it is common for such a person to influence others. But such a person is very afraid of influence from the outside.
Also, green color in psychology means that these people can support their family quite well. Materially, everything looks good. But in their personal lives, they may well have all sorts of difficulties. At the same time, you should not put pressure on your partner, despairing when difficulties arise on the mutual part of life. We need to show restraint. This is how you can strengthen family relationships. All this is quite valuable information, which is revealed after passing an instant test and characterizes the personality in great detail.
Color in nature
If you imagine the color green, then young grass, as well as tree foliage, almost immediately appears in your memory. Many of us remember the spring season, which is associated with growth and freshness.
The color green is perceived calmly, so it can have a beneficial effect on the entire body as a whole. Different shades of green have different interpretations. In particular, the coniferous tone is stability, strength, and a confident life position. It is quite useful to learn what the color green means in psychology. Especially if such addictions are observed in one of your relatives or friends. It happens that a person chooses a delicate shade, which has sage or moss. This means that the color will have a calming effect on him. Those who prefer malachite and emerald actually want to get rich.
Light and dark
The saturation of the hue also plays a role, because psychology interprets the meaning of the color “green” in a rather multifaceted way. The nature of people who prefer light green and coniferous can vary greatly. Dark green color is chosen by people with a stubborn character. At the same time, such individuals have inflated demands on themselves. This often affects their mental state. Thus, overvoltage may occur.
Ordinary green color is chosen by people who need respect, as well as recognition from friends. But these individuals are not always able to achieve such an attitude.
Lovers of light green color often do not rely on their own strength. They are simply waiting for outside help. Often the green color in a woman’s psychology can manifest itself in this way. Although the shade should also be taken into account here.
Also, a person may categorically dislike green in all its interpretations. People who reject this color are characterized by character traits such as laziness and selfishness.
The meaning of eight colors
Each of the eight colors has a specific meaning; below are brief characteristics.
Blue color
This color symbolizes the depth of feelings, peace, and concentration. People who choose blue are sensitive, receptive, and want integrity. They care about love, tenderness, and mutual affection. This is the color of fidelity, it promotes philosophical reflection and concentration. It’s not for nothing that you can endlessly look at the sea. Rejection of the color blue indicates unsatisfied emotional needs and a suppressed desire for peace.
Green color
Green indicates flexibility of mind. Its psychological components: stubbornness, perseverance, resistance to change, self-confidence. People who choose green are firm in their opinions and true to their principles. It is important for them to strengthen their own importance, self-respect, and dominance over others.
Red color
This color symbolizes willpower, blood, fire, masculinity. Embodies desires, passionate aspirations. Has a stimulating effect on the nervous system. Raises blood pressure, enhances the functioning of the endocrine system.
Rejection of red expresses irritation from a lack of vital energy, hostility to excited activity. This may be due to physical weakness, fatigue or heart failure.
Yellow
Yellow color is spontaneity, spontaneity, a source of bright joy and cheerful optimism. Those who prefer yellow tend to strive for happiness, hope, and impulsiveness. The expectation of happiness manifests itself in various forms: from intimate adventure to spiritual quests that culminate in enlightenment. If the yellow color is denied, then this is a clear indication that hopes and desires have collapsed, and the person feels alienated.
Purple
Purple color is a combination of red and blue. Presented as a separate color that combines the impulsive passion of red and the deep tranquility of blue. A person who likes the color purple believes in miracles, expects magic, wants to make impressions, wants to evoke admiration. Preserves childlike spontaneity into adulthood. It is not for nothing that after babies learn to distinguish colors, they choose purple from the multi-colored toys offered to choose from.
Brown color
This color signifies the importance of physical perception. The choice of brown indicates that a person has certain physical ailments, problems, the inability to ensure his own safety, and a feeling of anxiety. There is a desire to get rid of problems that cause physical discomfort.
When the Luscher test was administered to people who had gone through the war, most of them preferred brown due to psychological decline and health problems.
Black color
Black embodies the rejection of color. Black color is “no”, the cessation of life, destruction. People who put black first on the list of their preferences reject everything, protest, proclaim that they are not satisfied with the established order of things. Rebellion is their way of life. Here it is appropriate to recall the movement called “goths”, who deny rules and conventions, dress in black, and do not recognize other colors.
Grey colour
This color symbolizes neutrality. It is neither light nor dark, neither bright nor pale. He is nobody's, psychologically neutral. People who have chosen the gray color and put it first want to protect themselves from the outside world, want no one to interfere in their lives. When solving their own problems, they take an observant position.
The psychology of perception is a subtle, complex, but incredibly interesting science. External sense organs receive signals from outside and send them to the brain. The brain at the reflex level (automatically) correlates received signals with the internal state of the body, processes information, and produces results. Thus, knowing what colors a person likes, you can easily analyze not only his internal psychological state, but also his physical health.
