What is Color Psychology meaning of colors

Have you ever heard about the psychology of color but don’t know what it is? Do you think it is interesting to know how to apply it or its uses? In this Psychologyorg article, we explain what we mean when we talk about color psychology, what it is for, and how you can expand your knowledge on the subject so that it is positive in your life.

What is color psychology?

The study of colors on the emotional effects they cause in individuals is what we call the psychology of color. We understand colors through our sensory system, so all people can understand them differently, that is, subjectively. But although there are individual differences due to perception, we have cultural codes that give symbolism and specific meanings to each color. Within color psychology, the qualities of colors are taken into account, both sensory and cultural impact.

Not only is the study of color itself important but also its shades and chromatic range, taking into account the effect it causes on humans and their perception according to its density and how it relates to emotions.

Principles of color psychology

Although the psychology of color seems something new, it is something that goes back to bygone eras. The first book of which there is evidence is Goethe’s Color Theory written in 1810, where he made a deep reflection on the perception of colors and the implications they had on our mental mechanisms and perceptions of what surrounds us. Here you will find the relationship between the psychology of colors and personality.

Later Eva Heller, based on Goethe’s theories and after carrying out various studies, wrote Color Psychology: How colors act on Feelings and Reason. The repercussion of colors on our emotions and the subjectivity of these in human behavior is analyzed in more depth.

Based on The implication of colors in our perception of the world and the evocation of emotions, has made the study of color psychology a constantly growing field, since it has become a commercial manipulation tool, using the desires and emotional needs of consumers as an advertising claim.

In the British documentary, The Century of the Self (The Century of the Self), made in 2002 by Adam Curtis, he explains how marketing has used and continues to use, psychology and the study of intrinsic human behavior for its own benefit, for manipulation social and the maintenance of consumerism through the low emotional knowledge of users. Here you will find more information about the application of color psychology in marketing and advertising.

Meaning of Colors in Psychology

As already seen, each color has a different implication depending on the individual, culture, age, and even personal experiences. Even so, we will do a short review of the main characteristics and the meanings of the most common colors according to color psychology.

Meaning of the color red in psychology

The red color is one of the most intense colors, this makes us quickly evoke sensations when observing it, thus drawing our attention. In some advertisements, red is used as a point of attention in immediate messages, such as last-minute offers or discounts. We can also see how the white emotion or action that is intended to evoke on a red background is usually used, to thus increase its effectiveness, such as “now”, “happiness”, “sales”, etc.

On a psychological/cultural level, red is associated with passion, danger, and energy. This color is linked to increased appetite, which is why many fast-food brands use it in their logos or even in the design of their premises. In the same way that it arouses intense emotions, red is a color that makes us restless when we are subjected to its influence for a long period of exposure, also, for this reason, many designed of fast food outlets use this color, thus making people do not spend more time than necessary in the establishment and the flow of customers is constant.

It is advisable not to use red in the design of our home since it encourages the intensity of our emotions, interfering with the relaxation or rest we seek when we get home. If you like this color on a decorative level, use small details, in paintings, fabrics, cushions, or other elements of your home in warm and more neutral colors.

Psychology of the color blue

The blue color is usually related to stability, balance, harmony, trust, and relaxation, although it can also evoke feelings of coldness, detachment, and apathy. Normally, companies use this color for details such as canopies, guarantees, or quality certificates, taking advantage of the confidence that this hue can arouse.

At a cultural level, the color blue has a great weight since it is associated with everything that has to do with the masculine, although this is not a direct evocation of the color, the conceptual charge that this color has makes our knowledge of the world, at the same time except in the western world, connect us with the image of “man”.

In decoration, blue is a good color to give fluidity, spaciousness, and freshness to a space, as long as a tone that is not too intense is used. For example, blue is widely used in places near the beach, restaurants, hotels, or shops. coastal, taking advantage of the connection of tonality with the sea and how this makes us feel on vacation or in a place of rest.

Meaning of the color black

The black color is one of the most used in color psychology when it is intended to highlight an object or product as “exclusive” or “luxury”. Symbolism has been created with elegance, power, and sophistication, although it also has its opposition, being able to connect with emotions such as anger, sadness, and the feeling of mystery, which can be unpleasant for some people.

One of the complications of black is the combination with other colors, being an aggressive color it is difficult to combine, since in marketing or advertising it is necessary not to overwhelm the observer. For this reason, one of the greatest combinations that we find is black with gold or silver, these two colors, being also considered luxury and sophistication, create the perfect cohesion, generous greater outcome to the emotion that is wanted and highlighting the product. the brand etc

In interior decoration, black is a very risky and not recommended color, although it can evoke elegance in a room, we must not forget that it is related to anger and aggressive feelings, making the place unpleasant. If what you are looking for is a touch of elegance, it can be decorated with details in black, combining it with gold or silver, as well as with very subtle pastel color to give a more personalized touch.

On a cultural level, at least in Western culture, black is associated with death, mourning, or loss, although the color itself evokes feelings of anger on a psychological level, it is likely that it can connect with feelings of pain, frustration or agony due to the great cultural burden that it entails.

psychology of the color green

The green color is related to health, nature, and growth. Being the main color of plants and nature, this color in any brand, for example, food makes us feel safe or confident in the face of that product, since our brain associates what is natural with the food that we are going to consume.

Concern and health care are unconsciously directly related to food and the environment where we live, so our minds will tend to choose consumer products that evoke this search for health.

In decoration, green can be a relaxing color depending on its hue, but it is advisable not to use it on walls or at least not on all of them.

Meaning of the color yellow in psychology

The yellow color in psychology is related to light, happiness, optimism, also with nature. Depending on the hue, it can be seen as a warning color or create mistrust. Shades of yellow that are too intense are used in fast food establishments or express services in the same way as red, creating a sense of immediacy. Yellow can be a good color for the decorative elements of your home, since it highlights the small details, giving joy and freshness to the environment.

This article is simply information, at Psychologyorg we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend treatment. We suggest you go to a psychologist to treat your specific case.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is the psychology of color and What is it for? , we recommend that you enter our Psychology category.

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