The Psychology of Color

On studying the psychology of color as effects on human emotions and human cognition

The Psychology of Color is primarily still within the realms of folk or commonsense psychology and has been widely associated with culture. The significance of color could well be related with particular cultures, emotions and situations although there are very few scientific experiments on color or a scientifically valid ‘color psychology’. The psychology of color studies the effects of colors on human feelings and behavior. It is usually believed that red makes people happy or fervent and yellow raises alertness, white is about purity and cleanliness, black evokes a sense of mystery, loss or anonymity.

Some of the earlier theories of color and its association with psychology could be traced back to Goethe who suggested that colors may have moral associations and tend to produce extreme emotional states such as blue produces tranquility and red creates aroused emotional states. Luscher, a Swiss psychologist suggested that individual personality traits could be associated with preferences for certain colors. However such tests have long been considered as unscientific and inaccurate and no general scientific consensus has been reached on the effects of colors on human emotions. Yet color theory and the supposed impact of colors have been widely recognized and applied in all facets of life from advertisements to interior designs.

» Read more: The Psychology of Color

Related posts

How to Cope With Trauma

It only takes a matter of seconds for the world to become frightening and dangerous. The trauma of injuries and accidents can be devastating to those injured and the people close to them. There may be the loss of loved ones and friends to cope with and the aftermath of these events can be felt far and wide. Trauma can affect an entire community or just a few but, either way, these effects may change the way of life forever.

Though everyone responds differently, the effects during and after a crisis will be felt by everyone involved. Some feel the effects straight away but others may have a delayed response to the situation. Often, these people are so busy helping others that they appear numb to the experience. They are often seen as brave but may actually be hiding from their own personal trauma and pain. Because of this, they may become the most severely affected of all.

» Read more: How to Cope With Trauma

Related posts

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology is aimed at understanding and studying human and animal behavior. Clinical psychologists evaluate mental health problems and conduct and use scientific research to understand them. They also develop, provide, and assess psychological care and interventions (psychotherapy). In America, clinical psychologists are normally required to hold a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. and often have postgraduate work experience.

American psychologist Lightner Witmer (1867-1956) used the term clinical psychology for the first time in a paper in 1907. He particularly defined it as the study of individuals, by examination or experimentation, with the objective of promoting change. The American Psychological Association provides a more contemporary definition of the term and defines it as the field that combines science, theory, and practice to comprehend and alleviate maladjustment and disability as well as to promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development.

» Read more: Clinical Psychology

Related posts