Colour and emotion

Simmons, David R.

doi:10.1075/z.167.44sim

In:New Directions in Colour Studies
Edited by Carole P. Biggam, Carole Hough, Christian Kay and David R. Simmons
[Not in series 167] 2011
► pp. 395–414

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Colour and emotion

David R. Simmons | University of Glasgow, U.K.

Published online: 20 October 2011

https://doi.org/10.1075/z.167.44sim

Whilst there are many anecdotal links between particular colours and particular emotions, there is relatively little in the way of systematic research. In this chapter a protocol is proposed for establishing these links empirically which is then tested on the emotional terms “pleasant”, “unpleasant”, “mood-enhancing” and “calming”. It was found that it is possible to establish reliable colour-emotion associations, at least with culturally homogeneous participants. A framework for understanding these associations is proposed.

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