A colour is a significant tool for effective communication. A colour can perform multiple functions like, to signal an action, even it can influence our psychological behaviuors and responses. So colour psychology means how colour stimulates and instigates human behaviour and attitude. It is the study of hues, in how they determine and control our attitudes. Emotions and colours both are interrelated with each other. Warm colours show a different tendency in triggering emotions than cool colours. It all depends on how colours psychologically influences our mood. On a psychological level, many studies have been done to associate an individual significance with every colour. Colours also enhance our perceptions that are not very obvious, such as the taste of food, etc., or the sense of sacredness. Colours have such qualities as a recreation of certain emotions, and they also increase the effectiveness of the placebo system. Different colours represent different states of mind and different psychological positions, and this perception keeps changing from one culture to another with varying degrees of significance. For instance, white colour is the symbol of mourning in India, where widows wear a white dress. In contrast, the same white colour is considered the symbol of merriment in Europe, and over there, brides wear a white dress to symbolise the occasion of merrymaking. A psychological overview of colours, pointed out that colour can influence in different surprising ways. In every culture, various concepts can be associated with different colours. Yellow is the colour of mind and intellect, but on the other hand, the same colour symbolises cowardice. Blue colour is the symbol of conservative, on the other hand, red colour is associated with excitement, passion, danger, energy, and action. Orange represents creativity, adventure, enthusiasm, success, and balance, No wonder it is used broadly in fasion! Pink’s colour meaning revolves around femininity, playfulness, immaturity and unconditional love — mostly used for women and girls. Psychological studies show that black colour absorbs energy, it can be associated with power and control. Green is associated with growth, fertility, health, and generosity — some of the positive colour meanings for the colour, and broadly used in the Islamic Religion. Blue symbolises stability, harmony, peace, calm and trust. Furthermore, Brown is an earthy colour and symbolises stability. In colour psychology, grey represents neutrality and balance, also depression and loss.
All in all, it really all depends in how you use your colours and when.
Next time you pick a wardrobe or paint your walls, think again! Which feelings do you want to be associated with?
• The author is a consultant in Public Relations and Personality Types. Instagram: @Tipsbyhalahill
