Character by favorite colors - how to determine. How to find out the personal characteristics of a person by their favorite colors. The psychology of color and the meaning of colors in psychology

Psychology and meaning of colors- a common test by which you can determine the emotional state of a person, indicate mental disorders and determine the type of temperament. To find out the character by color, you must choose 3 of the 10 proposed options: white, black, brown, red, yellow, orange, purple, green, blue, gray. Remember the sequence. For example: yellow-green-blue.

There has long been such a term as "the language of colors." Even in astrology and ancient myths, 7 colors are taken into the spectrum, which personify the planets. At the same time, everyone knows that the influence of heavenly bodies is closely related to the innate talents and temperament of people.

So psychology confirms the fact that according to preferences in terms of choosing a color, a psychological analysis of a person can be carried out. Once you decide to take the test, make a choice, read what each of them means. Surely, you guessed that your first color is the key to building a characteristic.

Psychology and meaning of colors

If you chose him first, you are probably experiencing emotional difficulties. It should be noted that the red-black sequence indicates excessive aggressiveness. Some psychologists, seeing such a result, may be concerned for the patient. The indicated test result may indicate the potential danger of a person to society.

Psychology of red color in the book by Shchekin G.V. "Visual psychodiagnostics and its methods" indicates altruism, irascibility, imperious character. If you chose this color first, you are probably irritable, you may feel fear of conflicts, and are prone to solitude. However, there are also positive aspects. For example, relationship stability. The book "Know Thyself" says that he personifies energy and passion.

In psychology White color- synthesis. It conveys significant meaning. If you chose him first, probably a creative person. At the same time, according to Goethe's theory, it characterizes not only peace, an extraordinary mind, but also coldness.

However, Petrenko V.F. (psychologist, writer) in the book "The Relationship of Emotions and Color" characterized the color with such qualities:

completeness of thinking;
unity;
the ability to distinguish truth from deceit;
ease;
purity of thought;
dedication.

The disadvantages include isolation and stiffness. The chain white-yellow-red may indicate psycho-emotional illness.

Black color in psychology indicates a gloomy attitude towards life. If we exclude fashion and the trend, the preference for dark tones in clothes indicates a poor perception of others. Often such people are unhappy and prone to depression. At the same time, according to Shchekin G.V., who wrote the book “Visual psychodiagnostics and its methods”, the change of a dark suit to brighter and more catchy clothes indicates a change in pessimistic mood. The characteristics of the people who chose this color first indicate the presence of such qualities:

depression;
depression;
manifestation of selfishness;
weaknesses;
destructive to oneself and others.

The meaning of black also suggests:

content;
Motivation;
Creation;
Ability to adapt.

In combination with red, the choice speaks of serious mental problems. It is worth contacting a psychologist for support. It's probably what's missing. Perhaps you are working too hard. Take time to rest.

The value of gray according to the observations of psychologists indicates reasonable and distrustful people who always think a lot before choosing any important decision. This is a neutral color of personalities who are in no hurry to declare themselves loudly. Often the specified shade of black and white indicates irritation from the outside world. In this case, people use it as a barrier that blocks off.

In 2006, a social study was conducted, in which 2000 people (men) were involved. As part of the experiment, it turned out that 27% of the guys with vacant positions in the job chose gray.

The value of yellow symbolizes calmness and simplicity in relationships. This is an indicator of intelligence and ease. In psychology yellow characterizes:

dexterity;
originality;
Wits;
self confidence;
freedom;
joy.

The negative aspects include:

Excessive chatter;
distraction;
A tendency to gossip.

Such people can constantly change their place of residence. Also interpreted as "the color of illumination." The Vedas of the East calls it the halo of the Buddha. Christ was mentioned in other cultures.

As a rule, people who confidently stand on their feet choose. They are likely to be in leadership positions. They value family and traditions. They like to succumb to simple instinctive experiences. In some cases in psychology, brown indicates inner feelings and excessive fatigue. Among the most striking features are:

Common sense;
Reliability;

By cons:

fatigue;
disappointment.

Speaking of negative traits, they are more often caused by an excess of relationship failures.

The middle between red and yellow speaks of giftedness. Differ in multilateral mentality. They often have artistic abilities and creative talents. Among the most standard characteristics, experts, including Goethe, include:

excitement;
tolerance;
forgiveness;
selfishness;
frivolity in relationships;
demonstrative behavior;
love of freedom;
strength.

If you chose this color, you are probably a warm, kind and sympathetic person.

In psychology Orange color indicates the presence of strength and inexhaustible energy. Such people always keep their body in good shape. They do not like to appear in society without the presence of forces. If people are tired, they can sleep for 16 hours. They personify exciting, joyful and soft natures. Strive for self-assertion.

V.F. Petrenko noticed that the psychology of purple characterizes veiled excitement. It is often chosen by pregnant women. Responsible for sensuality, which manifests itself as a result of the interaction of red and blue flowers. It represents idealism. The myths speak of repentance. This is a rather heavy choice that needs to be diluted with gold. Otherwise, you will at least "scorch the eyes" of the public with such a choice.

In 75% of cases, this color is chosen by children. 85% are people with retardation in terms of brain activity.

If you chose him first, reconsider your outlook on life. Contact a psychologist. In most cases, the disease is the personification of psychological, emotional insufficiency.

V.V. Kucherenko noticed that green means self-government. Such people are independent of other people's opinions. They love nature and spring. It comes from blue and yellow. Therefore, the characteristics should include:

Love for stability;
selfishness;
Progress;
Responsibilities;
A responsibility;
Hypochondria;
Jealousy.

Hypochondria is a psychological anomaly. It is a constant feeling of sickness. If you chose green first, remember that you yourself are inviting most of the problems into your life.

A symbol of peace, heaven and stability. A psychological test for blue indicates the presence of a melancholic temperament. It occurs as a result of the confluence of mystery and fanaticism. But do not worry, because it characterizes:

Idealism;
organization;
The strength of the spirit.

Also fanaticism and subordination. Often people are manipulated by providing purpose and faith. However, those who chose it first among other colors are most likely subtle and sensitive natures. Thanks to the strength of the spirit, over time, they achieve good results in life.

Thus, in psychology, each color allows you to get a portrait of your psycho-emotional mood and highlight a number of strengths and weaknesses. In conclusion, I would like to note that over time, within the framework of maturity and self-development, people's preferences change. This affects the life position, characteristics and even complexion. You might be interested in reading the article What Faces Are Talking About, which is also educational and informative.

Color- this is what surrounds every person every day, causes special emotions and sensations. The choice of clothes, interior items, improvised means and much more according to shades and palettes directly speaks of a person’s preferences, his state of mind and inner feelings. Preferences in colors also characterize the temperament and mood regarding the upcoming event.

Choosing the right tone contributes to various effects and can even guarantee success in various endeavors (at work, dating, meeting important people, etc.).

Understanding what certain shades and combinations carry in themselves, it will be easier for each person to navigate and even direct the course of events in the right direction. You can understand your state, see changes in your friends and acquaintances, help improve your mood and much more by choosing and combining certain colors in your style and environment (objects on your desktop, home interior, etc.).

Experts have proven that certain events or memories are directly related to a particular color. Almost everyone associates various holidays and events with bright colors, such as red, orange, green, pink, yellow, etc. Sad events always blow in black or gray tones.

Subconsciously, people similarly perceive and react to colors. Since childhood, a person gets used to perceive red as an alarming sign, prohibition and anxiety. Green, on the contrary, allows you to perform the desired actions, confidently move forward without feeling danger. Each of them has its own characteristics, differently affect the perception and psychological state of a person.

Purple color in psychology

When you combine red and blue, you get purple. Deciphering this shade has certain difficulties and several nuances. Most artists in antiquity painted pregnant girls using this palette shade. This phenomenon is explained by consonance with sensuality.

In the modern world, experts argue about its negative and even depressive effects on a person. Most self-critical, gloomy, dissatisfied personalities prefer to surround themselves with purple objects and clothing. Using it in small amounts can be beneficial, because purple overestimates self-esteem. It should be noted that this color is not used when working with the elderly and young children.

Blue color in psychology

The blue option is preferred by many people. This happens because of the palpable magnetism. It is when contemplating saturated blue things that a person tends to immerse himself in thoughts, reflect on the meaning of life and the eternal. In films and stories, magicians are depicted in blue robes. Buddha and Krishna are blue in color, which speaks of wisdom and inner harmony.

Most often, this option is preferred by purposeful, selfless people who have personal views and points of view. Clothing in such colors exudes rigor, high spirituality and a serious life position. Blue is good for nervous system, has calming properties and extinguishes excessive passion.

Yellow color in psychology

This color is one of the brightest and most positive. The color of summer, sun and heat has a positive effect on brain activity, improves mood and makes the imagination work. Of course, the excessive use of yellow shades in clothes and interiors can lead to overexcitation. In the interior, it must be harmoniously combined with darker and more peaceful tones.

Yellow is preferred by positive and talented individuals. Those who have a huge amount of ideas and talents. Purposeful, positive and able to adapt to the interlocutor people. In addition to all these positive characteristics, yellow has the other side of the coin. It is he who is considered a symbol of dementia and insanity.

Green color in psychology

The green color is the symbol of spring, rebirth and peace of mind. Healing and relaxing properties have long been proven. Prolonged contemplation on green brings absent-mindedness and boredom.

Lovers of the green palette have balance, efficiency, inner harmony and the ability to logically assess the situation. Green extinguishes the negative effects of depressive and negative colors. That is why it is combined with dark depressive tones (purple, black, etc.) to create the perfect clothes and interiors.

Red color in psychology

A victorious color characterized by excessive activity, purposefulness, rigidity and even aggressiveness. Also, it is red that compares passion, love and self-sacrifice. It is most often used in marketing concepts (posters, advertisements, etc.) and in danger signs (traffic, traffic lights). Experts do not recommend getting carried away and looking at the red color of the palette for a long time.

Persons who sympathize with red have strong character, obvious courage and determination. Passion, impulsiveness, dominance and perseverance can play both for the good and for the harm of a person.

Orange color in psychology

Orange is pretty close to yellow. It has similar features and properties. Cheerfulness, positive attitude, passion, willingness to solve complex problems, joy and spontaneity - all this carries this option palettes. Orange has a positive effect on a person and takes him out of a depressive state after heavy losses and disappointments. Included in the list of the best colors for psychotherapy.

Lovers of this color have forgiving, easy-going, bright character traits. It is worth considering that their feature is inconstancy and arrogance.

Lilac color in psychology

Lilac is the symbol of affection and warm feelings. He suggests a philosophical outlook on life, peace of mind and the feeling of flying.

Lilac lovers are very romantic, sentimental, dreamy, romantic and sensual natures. Despite the softness of nature, they have impeccable mental abilities and excellent ingenuity. Attentive attitude to one's appearance and to the appearance of others, readiness to help is another quality that is an integral quality of "lilac" people.

Blue color in psychology

Surrounding yourself with blue flowers, a person feels comfort, security and reliability. It allows you to disconnect from all problems, not to think about tomorrow and existing problems.

All those who prefer this shade option are concentrated, self-confident, straightforward and concentrated personalities. They are great office workers. Those who know how to quietly but confidently achieve the desired result.

Pink color in psychology

Pink is the color of naivety, childhood, carelessness and love. Naive dreams and fantasies, calming and distracting from bad thoughts - these are the properties that pink colors have.

Pink lovers are very hardworking, dreamy and dedicated to their work. They are touchy, whiny, have a good temperament and even childish naivety.

Black color in psychology

Despite associations with grief and sadness, black always attracts the attention of others. The embodiment of strength, confidence, intrigue, wealth and mystery also carries this version of the palette. In moments of depression, it only aggravates the situation, delays the process of sadness and detachment from the outside world.

Black lovers are most often gloomy, self-contained and too serious personalities.

White color in psychology

Purity, innocence and exceptionally light associations carry white tones. New beginnings, a symbol of freedom, inspiration, peace and faith.

Medical staff wear white coats. This is due to the color's associations with goodness, honesty and perfection. In many countries, this color is present in traditional robes. It is impossible to accurately reveal the character of white lovers, since it is widely used as work clothes. It looks spectacular in combination with other color options and is a classic option.

Turquoise color in psychology

It is the coldest of the entire palette of shades. Has a very attractive appearance and leaves no one indifferent. Carries the coolness of the sea waves, healing, peace and creativity. Many people prefer to wear jewelry with turquoise, bringing good luck and protecting its owner.

Gray color in psychology

A mixture of completely opposite colors (black and white) carries a neutral feeling. The "golden mean" is mostly ignored by people, associated with everyday work and everyday life. Despite the fact that few people pay attention to the gray color, it carries friendliness, calmness, stability, realism and common sense.

A small percentage of those who prefer gray are friendly, courteous and patient by nature. Preference and surrounding yourself with gray tones indicates emotional exhaustion and nervousness of a person.

Brown color in psychology

The symbol of industriousness, reliability, stability, devotion to work and one's work is precisely cinnamon. The negative side is the association of brown with doubts and disappointments.

Those who prefer the brown colors of the palette are purposeful and loving life personalities. They are reasonable, rational and optimistic.

Psychology of color in clothes

For business meetings and promotion at work, strict blue, light blue, brown, gray outfits are ideal. Combinations of white and black colors also have a positive effect.

Meeting with friends and relatives, walking in the park, around the city require brighter and richer colors, especially if it is a warm period of time. Clothes of green, yellow, turquoise, lilac, orange tones cannot be ignored and left hanging in the closet.

For a date and a romantic dinner, the weaker sex quite often resorts to outfits with red accents and elements. This move kindles passion and has an exciting effect on partners.

The psychology of color in the interior

Bright shades (yellow, orange, green, red) are most often used in the design of the kitchen. Furniture of these colors helps to increase appetite and improve mood.

Blue, purple and blue are actively used in bathrooms.

It is undesirable to use blue, purple and white in children's rooms. It is best to organize children's rooms in pink, peach and other warm colors.

Very often, public institutions (cafes, restaurants, hotels) resort to decorating the room with the help of brown and red shades.

2.4. Color and human emotions

In "Teaching about color" I.V. Goethe wrote: "color is a product of light that evokes emotions." When we say: “turned black with grief; blushed with anger, turned green with anger, turned gray with fear”, then we do not take these expressions literally, but intuitively connect the emotional experiences of a person with a color that can express them. The first fact that every researcher of the relationship between emotion and color faces is that it is not of a random arbitrary nature, emotions and color are “linked” to each other on a very deep basis. Colors are not signs of emotions that can associatively evoke or express this or that feeling, they appear before a person themselves, as emotions, more precisely, as objectively embodied emotions. Why is it so?

One of the founders of experimental psychology, W. Wundt, in his Fundamentals of Physiological Psychology (1880) describes the organic interconnection of sensations and feelings. Phylogenetically, sensations and feelings are inextricably linked. For a number of modalities, especially interoreceptive (organic), characteristic, in the words of Wundt, is almost "perfect absorption by feeling" of all other parts of sensation. First of all, these are feelings of pleasure and displeasure. The impact of the stimulus causes not only a sensation (sensory component), but also a feeling in relation to this sensation. It can be said that the sensation is "biased". The human psyche is predominantly focused on external reality. Exteroreceptive sensations, unlike interoreceptive ones, having a clear subject relatedness (especially in visual and auditory modalities), and also due to their greater quantitative and qualitative diversity, turn out to be more adequate for embodying the whole variety of human feelings and moods, as Wundt notes.

After analyzing the color modal characteristics of emotional processes, Wundt points out the difference physical foundations emotional effect of colors and sounds. The spatial simultaneity of the visual modal components of emotions, in contrast to the temporal succession of the auditory components, gives the former a certain advantage due to its spatial stability and simultaneous givenness. Therefore, color as an exteroreceptor stimulus not only evokes a particular emotion, but is also an exceptionally convenient means for objectifying a person's emotional experiences.

L.M. Wecker (1981) considers Wundt's description of various color characteristics of the corresponding emotional states to anticipate all further development of color testing techniques for emotions, and the use of color methods for studying the emotional sphere of a person has greater potential than pitch methods.

The second significant fact is a rather rigid degree of “fixation” to a certain color of a certain emotion. A mentally healthy person, both an adult and a child, starting from the age of 3-4, when he can verbalize his impressions, understands the emotional content of the primary colors and can differentiate them by an emotional sign.

An employee of prof. Kravkova L.A. Schwartz (1947-1948) revealed a noticeable change in color sensitivity (color discrimination thresholds) depending on the emotional state of a person. Positive emotions, such as joy, were associated with increased sensitivity to red and yellow and decreased sensitivity to blue and green. When experiencing negative emotions, the opposite picture was observed: sensitivity to blue and green increased, and decreased to yellow and red. It is interesting that these changes in color sensitivity were noted not only during the actual experience of emotions, but also during memories of pleasant or unpleasant events. Thus, the experimental studies of L.A. Schwartz confirm Wundt's position on the organic connection between sensations and emotions.

Following the task, draw something “beautiful”, “pleasant”, “good” for children 3-4 years old, as shown in the work of V.S. Mukhina (1981), most often they use light, bright colors- yellow, red, orange, blue, emerald green. As V.S. Mukhina: " color solution beauty in children of all countries is similar: in most cases, the colors are warm and certainly pure, local” (p. 205). Held comparative analysis use of "inimitable" colors by children different countries showed a surprising consistency in the choice of color for the image of the beautiful and the ugly. Children, getting acquainted with the drawings of their peers from other countries, unmistakably determined by the color of the drawing where “beautiful” and where “ugly” were depicted.

In the work of V.N. Vorsobin and V.N. Zhidkina (1980) studied the dynamics of color preferences of preschoolers depending on the emotions they experience. In cases of children experiencing emotions of joy, the preference for red, yellow, and orange colors increased significantly compared to the background choices, and the preference for green and blue decreased (the analysis was carried out by color combinations). When experiencing the emotion of fear, the children significantly less often preferred the combination red-blue-violet, and more often - green-blue. The authors of the work come to the conclusion that the attitude of children of this age to the color red is quite specific for differentiating the emotions of joy and fear. In their opinion, the method of choosing color combinations carries more information about emotional states than choosing individual colors.

The results of these works show that color is associated with emotions at various levels of a person’s mental activity from early childhood, and, therefore, the leading role of the learning factor in the formation of color-emotional connections, argued by a number of researchers, cannot be accepted. As for the emotional and aesthetic attitude to color, then, as V.S. Mukhina, teaching a child stable, objective associations of colors, as a rule, leads to a stereotypical, inert perception of colors, and reduces the ability to directly feel color.

The core of color-emotional meanings is fundamentally similar in children and adults.

V.F. Petrenko and V.V. Kucherenko (1988) studied the possibility of diagnosing the emotional states of the subjects by the method of color preferences (Luscher test). In order to verify the results, emotional states were induced in the subjects using hypnotic suggestion. While in the suggested state of "joy", the subjects most often preferred red and yellow, and rejected brown and black. The suggestion of "guilt" caused a preference for gray and blue, while red and yellow, on the contrary, moved to the end of the color range.

A.M. Etkind (1979; 1980-85) conducted a series of studies on color-emotional meanings in adults. In the first work (1979), the conjugation of 8 colors of the M. Luscher test with 9 basic emotions according to K. Izard (1980) was studied. Table 2.4.1. the frequencies of color associations (in %) with Izard's emotional factors are presented (three separate emotions are included in each factor).

Table 2.4.1.

Color	Emotions
Color	Interest	Joy	Surprise*	Sadness	Anger	Rev.*	Shame	Fear	Tired.*
Grey	6	4	2	27	1	15	18	12	53
Blue	27	4	2	27	5	7	13	15	8
Green.	26	10	26	13	8	7	19	8	7
Red	16	52	23	4	55	4	4	17	2
Yellow	20	24	56	1	9	19	12	15	1
Violet.	5	12	14	12	6	22	16	7	12
Brown	10	8	3	14	4	27	17	3	23
Black	10	2	2	22	38	18	13	43	24

*Surprise. - surprise, Rev. - disgust, Utom. - fatigue

The observed frequency of color-emotional associations significantly differed from the random distribution according to X 2 data. For the entire matrix, its value was 716 (p< 0.001).

This matrix of color-emotional conjugations allows you to create both color profiles of emotions and emotional profiles of each of the 8 colors of the Luscher test. The color code for a number of emotions, as can be seen from Table 2.4.1, is quite simple. They are expressed either in one color (predominantly) or in a uniform color combination. This primarily refers to "fear" (black), "sadness" (grey, blue and black), "fatigue" (grey, black and brown) and "joy" (red and yellow). The first three emotions on this list are associated with passive-defensive behavior and the frustration of need. This explains the approximate similarity of the color semantics of these emotions (black color plays a significant role for all).

The emotion of joy, reflecting the fact of satisfaction of a need (or its anticipation), that is, psychophysiologically and psychologically opposed to the first three, and in its color expression is opposite to negative experiences.

As for such emotions as “interest”, “surprise”, “disgust”, “shame”, their color profiles are far from being so unambiguous and psychologically understandable. It seems that the subjects had great difficulty in determining their color profiles, which, unlike the previous ones, have a much lower degree of internal consistency.

A similar conclusion is also confirmed by the results of an experimental study of intellectual emotions conducted by A.I. Berznickas (1980). If the color profiles of the emotions of joy in both authors practically coincide, then “surprise” has a different color code.

Research by A.M. Etkinda 423560(1)7
A.I. Berznickas 35421607
0-gray; 1-blue; 2-green; 3-red; 4-yellow; 5 purple; 6-brown; 7-black.

A possible explanation for this fact comes from the fact that the emotions of interest, surprise, disgust and shame have a more complex structure and are largely influenced by individuality. It is also impossible not to take into account the fact that in the proposed A.M. Etkind set of colors, the subjects may not have found the most appropriate color to express these emotions, because. the number of "color connotations" was limited. For example, there was no white color, which is one of the main color symbols. In order to get answers to these questions, it is necessary to conduct special studies.

Particular attention should be paid to the color expression of the emotion of anger. This emotion was indicated by the subjects in red and black. It seems that other colors (out of 8) are completely irrelevant for "anger". The obvious "heterogeneity" of red and black does not allow including "anger" in the first list of "simple" emotions in color expression. The color profile of "anger" most clearly demonstrates the irreducibility of the meaning of a color combination to the "sum" of the values of individual colors. Neither red nor black individually can express "anger". In the spirit of the archaic color symbolism of these colors, we can say that black “gives” red an ominous character, and red gives activity to black that lacks activity (“awakens” it), which allows us to characterize this color combination as "evil, destructive activity".

In methodological terms, it is possible to make one more remark about the results obtained by A.M. Etkind, however, this applies to all works of this kind. In the work of A.M. Etkind, when compiling color profiles of emotions, the subjects did not proceed from their own actual emotional state, as, for example, in the study by V.F. Petrenko, V.V. Kucherenko (1988) and V.N. Vorsobina, V.N. Zhidkin (1980), but from ideas about certain emotions. In such a case, it is obvious that the compiled color profiles can be determined not by the individual characteristics of the emotional response, but, for example, by the traditions of color symbolism, i.e. collective color archetype. The validity of such a remark can be seen from the example color code"anger".

The problem of emotional states and properties is also connected with the question of the collective and the individual in the content of color-emotional meanings. In this regard, the results obtained in the work of I.A. Pereverzeva (1978), who studied the color preferences of the subjects depending on their "basic emotions" (A.I. Olshannikova - 1974).

A.E. Olshannikova identifies three "basic" emotions - fear, anger and joy. It is assumed that the ratio of these emotions to each other determines the individual characteristics of a person's emotionality, i.e. enduring emotional properties. It was found that people with a predominance of the basic emotion of fear are characterized by a preference for purple and a rejection of green, blue and brown. The attitude to the purple color turned out to be indicative of the differentiation between groups of subjects with a predominance of emotions of "anger" or "joy". The former preferred purple much more often. The subjects with the dominance of "joy" in comparison with the subjects of the other two groups, according to I.A. Pereverzeva, differed in more frequent preferences for yellow and brown.

Thus, the relationship between color and emotions is multilevel. Firstly, colors and their combinations are symbols of emotions, their external embodiment, objectified form; secondly, the emotional states of a person affect the situational attitude to color (changes in color sensitivity, color preferences, etc.); thirdly, stable emotional features (properties) of the subject are also reflected in various options color preferences. Such multifunctionality of color, on the one hand, makes it a unique means of studying the emotional sphere of a person, but on the other hand, it underlies the ambiguity in the assessments of the observed phenomena, which requires researchers to be especially careful when deciding at what specific level it considers and analyzes these phenomena.

As we remember, this or that emotional experience and even recollection of it leads to specific changes in the color sensitivity of the subject (L.A. Schwartz). In this regard, the question arises about the correlation between the indicators of color discrimination and the nature of the attitude to color (in the form of color preferences) when the subject experiences various emotions. The results of works known to us show that there may not be an unambiguous relationship between changes in color sensitivity and color preferences. "Physiological preference" (rejection) is not identical to psychological.

N.K. Plishko (1980, 2) found that when a person enters a state of functional inhibition (need frustration), when the color discrimination threshold is red compared to others, according to the method of E.T. Dorofeeva (1967-1970) is the largest, there is a preference for red according to the Luscher test. Apparently, faced with this kind of facts, the author herself of the method of objectifying emotional states by the ratio of color discrimination thresholds (E.T. Dorofeeva - 1978) concludes that the method of "color thresholds" reflects "tactics", and the Luscher test reflects the "strategy" of emotional subject response.

The issue under discussion is also related to the results obtained in the work of L.P. Urvantsev (1981), who studied the possibilities of colors to differentiate the state of mental tension from the background. Two indicators were identified that are informative for solving such a problem. Firstly, this is the very fact of changing the emotional evaluations of color (without taking into account their direction). During the transition from the background, calm state to the state of mental tension (emotional stress), they changed in 24 out of 36 subjects, that is, in 66% of cases. Secondly, a change in the type of color choice: in one group of subjects, the preference for “cold” colors changed to “warm”, and in the other, the opposite option was noted. The first indicator turned out to be associated with the stress resistance of the subjects. The subjects who changed their attitude to color turned out to be more prone to stress than those who had it unchanged. Without interpreting the content of the second indicator, L.P. Urvantsev makes it dependent on the typological characteristics of the personality of the subjects.

The results obtained by L.P. Urvantsev are very indicative and illustrate the fact that, given the nominally the same emotional state that is assumed in the subjects participating in the experiment, the multidirectionality in relation to color is rather the rule than the exception when it comes to such emotional experiences, the content which are individual, as can be seen from the example of the color profiles of “shame”, “disgust”, and others identified in the work of A.M. Etkind. Perhaps that is why in the study of I.M. Dashkova and E.A. Ustinovich (1980) did not obtain a unified picture of the change in the color preferences of the subjects under the influence of stressful situation(exam).

In the 250 subjects they examined, the stressful situation also caused multidirectional changes in color choices, which gave the authors of the study reason to doubt the existence of any definite, uniform connections between colors and emotions. In the light of the above facts, such a conclusion indicates a certain straightforwardness of the experimental hypothesis of the authors of the work. When studying the correlation between color preferences and stress, it is difficult to obtain uniform results (especially on a large array) unless the individual characteristics of the emotional reactivity of the subjects are first determined and, on the basis of this, they are not divided into a number of experimental groups. Variants of color choices that cannot be reduced to a single denominator will be the natural result of such a methodological approach. AT best case, one can simply state that some kind of change occurs in relation to color when the mental state of the subjects changes, as V.L. Marishchuk et al. (1984), based on the results of a duplicate survey of 300 subjects.

One of the most important for the problem of color - emotions is the question of the differential role of various psychophysical characteristics of color in the generation of its emotional meanings. This primarily applies to hue, lightness and saturation.

In most of the works discussed in this section, when planning, conducting and analyzing the results of the experiment, only one characteristic from this list was taken into account - color tone. Moreover, except for those studies where obviously the same colors were used as stimulus material (for example, the Luscher test), which creates the basis for their comparison, ignoring these characteristics does not allow repeating the experimental part of the work in order to verify the results obtained by the authors. Such methodological negligence leads to the fact that a rather significant part of the dispersion of the results is not controlled and not taken into account by the experimenters, which casts doubt on the analysis of the results and the conclusions drawn on its basis. This requires the authors of works in this field, if not the use of a standard stimulus set, then necessarily - to indicate the main psychophysical characteristics of the colors used in the experiment.

The importance of taking into account the psychophysiological characteristics of colors can be demonstrated by the example of the work of Yu.A. Poluyanova (1981). The author of the work did not find unambiguous connections between the color tone and a certain emotion in children aged 6-10 years. In this regard, the color combination turned out to be uninformative (on the basis of children's applications), as well as the color saturation indicator. At the same time, the lightness of color, according to Yu.A. Poluyanov, correlated with the emotional content of children's applications. The "joyful" application was made up of mostly light shades, and the "sad" application was made up of dark ones.

V.S. Mukhina (1981) also points out the importance of the lightness characteristic for the emotional evaluation of color by children of 3-4 years of age.

In color science, lightness refers to the degree to which a color tone differs from black. The further a color is from black, the lighter it is, and vice versa. In psychological terms, the lightness of a color can be thought of as a "measure of the influence" of black on a given color. We are already familiar with the symbolic meanings of black, so it is not difficult to guess what its contribution to the emotional content of other colors, if they are mixed with it. In general, there is a shift in emotional meaning in a negative direction. From this we can conclude that the lightness of the color correlates with the sign ("+" or "-") of the emotion expressed by it.

The saturation or purity of a color can be understood as the degree of its proximity to the spectral. As the experiments of Ch. Osgood et al. (1957) this indicator correlates with the factor "strength" (P), the semantic differential. Thus, it can be assumed that a change in color saturation, without changing the sign of the emotion it expresses, affects the strength of the emotional impression it produces. A less saturated, diluted color loses its expressiveness, its emotional content "dissolves". Therefore, taking into account only the characteristics of the color tone - the "name" of the color, reflecting the belonging of the color to a certain part of the spectrum, undoubtedly impoverishes the possibilities of a deep study of the relationship between emotions and color.

The remarks made by no means negate the main part of the experimental results of the considered works, although they give rise to certain doubts about the degree of their reliability and reproducibility.

The factual material accumulated by color psychology allows us to conclude that the color tone reflects the psychophysiological orientation of the emotional impact of color on a person. According to Ch. Osgood (1957), the rank series of colors, compiled on the basis of their loads according to the "activity" factor (A), corresponds to the sequence of colors in the spectrum. Therefore, red, as the most active color in psychophysiological and psychological terms, expresses all active emotional experiences of a person, without taking into account their sign (valence), such as, for example, “joy” and “anger”. Blue - a color that has an inhibitory effect on the human central nervous system, expresses emotional experiences of the opposite, passive direction: from calm contemplation to "universal sadness" in the words of Goethe.

The results of the experimental work discussed in this section gave us reason to compile a table of correspondences between the psychophysical characteristics of colors and the psychological parameters of emotions (Table No. 2.4.2).

As an example, let's try, based on these correspondences, to determine the emotional meaning of such colors as pink and light blue.

Pink can be described as a light, low-saturated red color. The emotional meanings of pink, therefore, can be considered active, positive, superficial experiences such as light joy, high spirits, feelings of carelessness, etc. Perhaps because of these meanings of pink, the saying arose, "seeing the world through rose-colored glasses."

Table 2.4.2.

Light blue - blue, light, low-saturated. Emotional parameters - passive, positive, weak. Being, for real, “cheerful”, “joyful” is hindered by its passivity. It expresses a feeling of friendly neutrality, easily turning into indifference and indifference (see V. Kandinsky).

The relationship between emotions and color is natural, due, on the one hand, to the psychophysical characteristics of color, and on the other hand, to the psychophysiological organization of a person. From this it necessarily follows that certain forms of attitude to color in a person carry information about his individual and typological qualities - temperament, character and personality. Indirectly, many researchers who studied the relationship between color and emotions came to this problem (see L.P. Urvantsev - 1981)

2.5. Color and character

The variety of theoretical and methodological approaches in the study of individual and typological characteristics of a person greatly complicates the productive comparison of the results obtained in the study of the relationship between attitudes towards color and character. In this section, we use the concept of "character" rather conditionally - as a designation of stable patterns of external (behavioral) manifestations and their internal (mental) conditions. We will not specifically differentiate the concepts of temperament, character, personality, since in various psychological schools they are given the most different interpretation, and also because for us now it is not so important which of the listed instances has a greater influence on the subject's attitude to color, but it is important establish that such an influence exists at all.

One of the few concepts commonly used in psychology related to the sphere of character is the concept of “extroversion-introversion” introduced by C. Jung (1924), although it should be recognized that its meaning is not always interpreted unambiguously by various psychologists. So G. Eysenck, the creator of the well-known personality questionnaire, understands extraversion - introversion as, first of all, a number of innate psychophysiological properties of a person and the characteristics of behavior corresponding to them, abstracting from the psychological content that K. Jung put into this concept. According to Eysenck (1941), people who prefer bright colors are more active in behavioral aspects (extroverted) than those who prefer dark shades.

L.P. Urvantsev (1981) reports a relationship between color preferences and Eysenck's "extraversion" and "neuroticism" factors. Subjects with high levels of neuroticism evaluate only a small number of colors as neutral. The number of preferred colors for introverts is half that of extroverts. The latter more often choose shades of red and yellow and less often - blue and green. Introverts have L.P. Urvantsev notes the opposite trend.

In the study of I.M. Dashkova and E.A. Ustinenko (1980), no correlation was found between color preferences (according to the Luscher test) and the factors of the Eysenck questionnaire.

In our work (1983), we managed to identify a certain relationship between color choices according to the M. Luscher test and the values of extraversion and neuroticism factors. On a sample of 100 subjects (students), a direct correlation was obtained between the preference for red and the level of extraversion (R = 0.404; Р< 0.05). Испытуемые с высокими показателями экстраверсии достоверно чаще предпочитали красный, чем испытуемые с low level extraversion (introversion). The study revealed the fact high level the similarity of the color choices of the subjects with the polar assessments on the "extroversion" scale. In particular, this applies to the color red: both pronounced extroverts and introverts showed an increased preference for it. This probably affected the relatively low Pearson linear correlation for red. The fact of the similarity of "extremes" confirms the assumption of A.M. Etkind (1985) on the predominantly non-linear nature of the relationship between color choices and assessments of personality traits using questionnaire methods. This prompted us to divide the entire continuum of values on the “extraversion” scale into several subranges: pronounced introversion (0-4 points on the “extroversion” scale), average level of introversion (5-9), ambaversion (10-14), average level of extraversion (15 -19) and pronounced extraversion (20-24). The most unambiguous differences were found when comparing subgroups of subjects with average indicators of extraversion and introversion. In the first subgroup, the red color confidently occupied the first place, while among the introverts, at best, it was in the middle of the color range. For introverts, it turned out to be more frequent preference for purple and black colors. In the ambiversion subgroup, purple turned out to be especially "favorite" - in more than half of the cases, it was put in first place. The choice of purple color was directly dependent on the level of neuroticism of the subjects. His active preference (1-2 places in the ranking series) was rejected in 86% of the subjects with an indicator on the neuroticism scale above 12 points. In cases where increased neuroticism was combined with ambaversion, a preference for purple (1st-2nd places) was observed in 92% of the subjects.

In a number of studies, the nature of the color preferences of the subjects was compared with the indicators of the 16-factor questionnaire (16-PF) by R. Cattell (1970). In the already mentioned work, I.M. Dashkova and E.A. Ustinovich (1980), according to the authors themselves, correlations were found between color choices and 16-PF factors, which are of a “strange and paradoxical nature”, and are not amenable to mutually satisfactory assessment and interpretation from the standpoint of both methods. The most “understandable” was the preference for gray color by subjects with high scores on the Q factor (“hyperthymia-dysthymia”).

Relationships between color preferences and 16-PF factors have also been studied by A.M. Etkind in his dissertation (1985). The author noted a large number of significant relationships. The preference for dark, dull colors of the Luscher test turned out to be characteristic of individuals with increased emotional tension, a tendency to frustration and guilt (+Q and +Q4), emotional instability (-C), timid (-H). Conversely, the choice of bright, light colors correlated with the absence of emotional tension, self-confidence and relaxation (-Q and -Q4), which turned out to be the most typical for the subjects who preferred the color yellow. As in the work of I.M. Dashkova and E.A. Ustinovich, seemingly strange and obscure correlations were revealed. So, for example, positive choices of black from the "gray" table full version Luscher's tests turned out to be associated with the manifestation of active, bright, extroverted emotionality (+A, +F) and creative imagination (+M).

T.A. Ayvazyan, V.P. Zaitsev et al. (1989), comparing color preferences with scale scores of subjects on the factors of the 16-PF and SMOL questionnaires, obtained results indicating that the preference for the "primary" colors of the Luscher test (blue, green, yellow and red) correlates with activity , emotional stability, self-confidence, low levels of anxiety and hypochondria. The rejection of these colors turned out to be associated with some form of intrapersonal trouble. In particular, the negative choice of blue was correlated with increased levels of anxiety and neuroticism.

In contrast to the authors of the above work, whose subjects were patients with psychosomatic disorders, I.M. Dashkov and E.A. Ustinovich (1980) found only one significant correlation between color choices and MMPI scale scores. It belongs to the fourth scale MMPI (Pd), high values of which were associated with the rejection of green. The subjects were 1st year students of Leningrad State University.

In this regard, it can be assumed that the search for correlations between the color sympathies of the subjects and the assessments of their personality traits using questionnaire methods (especially clinical and psychological ones) has a much greater chance of success when persons with borderline mental disorders act as subjects than healthy people. people in this regard. More characteristic personality profiles of the first in statistical terms greatly facilitate this task. However, the legitimacy of extrapolating the results obtained in such a case to the contingent of healthy people is questionable.

With all the temptation to find a certain, stable connection between a person's personality traits and his attitude to color, it should be recognized that the search for a linear correlation between color choices and indicators of personality questionnaires is unpromising.

As an alternative, one can consider the approach proposed by M. Luscher himself in the book "The Four-Color Man" (1977), where the color itself serves as the basis for the typology of characters. M. Luscher's approach will be considered in more detail in Chapter 4.

Significantly impoverishes the possibility of studying the relationship of color with the typical features of a person's personality, the fact that researchers, as a rule, use only one method of determining a person's attitude to color - the method of color preferences. Therefore, the work of I.G. Bespalko (1975), who studied the relationship between color discrimination thresholds and somatotypes. It was found that the average values of color thresholds for picnics and asthenics sharply and reliably differ among themselves across the entire spectrum of colors. The color thresholds of picnics exceeded those of asthenics. Moreover, these differences significantly exceeded the fluctuations in color thresholds due to changes in the emotional state. In picnics with a change in the emotional state, there was a qualitative change in the profile of color discrimination thresholds (the ratio of the thresholds of red and blue), and in asthenics - a quantitative change. The author of the work does not exclude that such differences between picnics and asthenics may be related to the structure of emotionality proposed by E. Kretschmer (1924) in these somatotypes (diathetic scale of picnic moods: from fun to sadness; psychoesthetic - asthenics: from increased to decreased sensitivity of the type " glass and wood).

Another limitation that narrows the possibility of finding relationships between attitudes towards color and character should be recognized as a limited number of indicators characterizing the characteristics of a person's color preferences. Obviously, only color ranks are clearly not enough to identify possible correlations. An attempt to overcome this limitation was our joint with I.I. Kutko (1997) study of the relationship between color preferences and character accentuations in adolescents.

The purpose of this study was to test the validity of the Luscher test in relation to the characterological features of adolescents with character accentuations according to A.E. Lichko.

The results of the study are presented in the article "Color preferences of adolescents with character accentuations"

2.6 Attitude to color in the process of thinking

The color effect on the mental apparatus of a person affects not only his emotions and character, but also cognitive processes, and above all, thinking. This is not about the information, but about the energy side of the color effect, and thus, not about the content of the thought process, but about its dynamic, energy characteristics. From this point of view, thinking appears both before the subject of thinking itself and before an external observer (experimenter), not as a sequence of purposeful associations, judgments, conclusions, etc., but as a special kind of mental stress, ending in the case of finding a solution that satisfies the subject discharge.

Empirical observations show that in different color environments, a person "thinks" in different ways: the color effect can either hinder or contribute to the solution of the problem.

G. Freeling and K. Auer (1973) do not recommend painting in dark, "cold" tones those rooms in which people are engaged in mental work - school classes, student audiences, scientific departments, laboratories, etc. Such colors cause inhibition and reduce the effectiveness of mental activity. This applies not only to walls, ceilings or floors, but also to furniture. On the contrary, the colors of the "active side" improve mental activity, increase its productivity. In the views of the subjects, the successful solution of the problem is associated with bright, light shades.

In the study of A.I. Berznickas (1980) obtained 8 color profiles of intellectual emotions, which the author correlates with the main phases of the thought process. For such emotions as “guess”, “surprise”, “confidence”, the choice of the brightest and lightest colors of the M. Luscher test - red and yellow is common. The least likely subjects associated black, gray and dark blue with these emotions. At the same time, “doubt” and “grief” were associated by the subjects with gray, brown, black and dark blue. The “clear” color profile turned out to be interesting. Following yellow and red in the ranking row of choices, the subjects placed black. Interpreting this fact, A.I. Berznickas points out that the feeling of understanding is related to the emotion "pleasant". Their interdependence can be expressed as an inverted "U" shaped curve: the most understandable is what is most pleasant or unpleasant.

In joint research with N.A. Gustyakov (1986; 1988), we studied the dynamics of color preferences of the subjects in the process of solving the problem. It was found that changing the type of color choice in the decision process carries information about the possible success or failure. Subjects who, after initially choosing bright and light colors of the Luscher test, began to prefer dark, dull shades, did not find a solution to the problem and abandoned further efforts to solve it. The initial choice of predominantly dark colors was also unfavorable in this regard. However, in some subjects with a similar type of choice, in the process of solving the problem, a change in the type of color preferences to the opposite was noted (choosing bright colors as pretty ones), which turned out to be a diagnostic sign of a successful solution of the problem. Often, on the eve of insight, the subjects showed a pronounced preference for red and yellow. The lack of dynamics in color choices was an unequivocal sign of failure in solving the proposed problem, regardless of the initial color preference.

In this regard, the question of the relationship between the attitude to color and the intellectual level of a person is of interest. As the results of the work of researchers using the Luscher color test (see G. Klar - 1974) show, for people with a lower educational index, less cultured, from the so-called. The "lower" strata of society are characterized by a preference for purple. Subjects suffering from mental retardation have an increased interest in bright colors, their "favorite" combination is red and purple. When interpreting such results, they usually refer to an insignificant level of intellectual control of emotions, the dominance of affect over intellect.

The tradition to associate the attitude to color with the control of affectivity in psychodiagnostics goes back to the Rorschach test. As you know, G. Rorschach (1921) attributed color in his test to "determinants", that is, objective signs of a stimulus that play a major role in the appearance of a particular interpretation. Color interpretations using blue-greens, according to Rorschach, are indicative of better affect control than those using reds and yellows. Responses determined only by color (C), as well as CF responses (determined by color and shape) show that the emotionality of the subject is only slightly controlled by the intellect. A good level of control is indicated by FC responses (determination by shape and color). The general indicator of the subject's emotionality is calculated using a special formula.

As a rule, people who belong to the intellectual elite avoid bright and pretentious shades in everyday life, especially in clothes, preferring calm, pastel colors.

The connection between color and thinking, intelligence is complex, ambiguous. Moreover, this connection, of course, is mediated by the emotional sphere of the individual.

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The influence of color on us can be of an objective nature. Everything that we contemplate affects us is an obvious fact. Often this influence is so objective that it can be measured. For example, the contemplation of red increases blood pressure, and blue lowers it.

The relationship between the choice of color and the emotional-volitional states of a person has been well studied. Psychologists believe that a mentally healthy adult, as well as a child from 3-4 years old, understands the emotional content of the primary colors. One of the psychologists who studied such a relationship was M. Luscher, as well as other researchers.

Let's take a closer look at the relationship between colors and emotional states based on the experimental data of psychology.

Red color associated with joy and anger. This is due to the fact that the red color is the most active in psychophysiological terms, as opposed to the blue color, which has an inhibitory effect on the human nervous system. We can say that all active emotional experiences of a person are associated with red, regardless of their sign: joy, passion, anger. According to research, red is preferred by extroverts. In the mythology of primitive peoples, red is associated with strength, and it can be both “evil” and “good”.

Yellow is consistently associated with the basic emotion of surprise, interest. Of the negative emotions, yellow is associated with disgust. The use of yellow and other bright, light colors is recommended in rooms where people are engaged in cognitive activities and intellectual work: the concepts of “guess”, “surprise”, “confidence” are associated precisely with yellow and red colors. In addition, according to Goethe, shades of yellow (including gold) are favorable for interior design also because they are associated with splendor and well-being. The combination of red and yellow is often chosen by large brands in order to associate the brand with joy and pleasure. There are many such brands: Mcdonald's, Lipton, etc.

Blue colour associated with the emotion of interest as well as sadness. In a physiological sense, the blue color has an objective inhibitory effect on the central nervous system, therefore, experiences of a passive orientation are associated with it, from calm contemplation to sadness and sadness. Blue is preferred by introverts. But the rejection of the blue color can indicate increased anxiety and neuroticism. Decorating rooms with shades of blue can visually enlarge the space, but at the same time cause a feeling of cold and sadness. Shades of blue are often chosen by pharmaceutical and drug brands, and this, of course, is no coincidence. A person who chooses this or that medicine should receive emotional calm and confidence.

Basic emotions Green colour is interest and surprise, as well as satisfaction. There is evidence that people who prefer the blue-green shades of the spectrum have better self-control and control of emotions, not allowing them to take precedence over intelligence. In Goethe's studies on color, it is recommended to use this color in rooms for permanent residence, since this color gives rest and satisfaction.

Purple and brown colors most of the subjects associated with negative emotions: disgust, anger and fear. Purple is preferred by introverts. Shades of purple are disturbing. On the other hand, purple is associated with the human crown energy center, which connects us to God. Brown color also associated with the emotion of fatigue.

Emotions black color- it is fear, anger, fatigue, sadness. Introverts also choose this color. According to other studies, people with an active, bright, extroverted emotionality and creative imagination may prefer black. Blavatsky noted that among primitive people, black symbolizes the inner sphere of the World, the Hidden Source from which the original (unconscious) wisdom comes. In addition, black is the color of status. Many brands choose a combination of black with gold or yellow in order to emphasize the status of their product. Black, gray and other dark colors are not recommended to be used as the main ones in rooms for mental work - the contemplation of gray and other dark colors causes a feeling of doubt and chagrin.

Color symbolism. Color and character. Color and functionality.

The symbolism of color has a long history. Since time immemorial, people have attached particular importance to reading the "language of colors", which is reflected in ancient myths, folk tales, fairy tales, various religious and mystical teachings. So, in astrology, the rays of the Sun, decomposed into a spectrum and giving 7 colors, corresponded to 7 main planets: red is the color of Mars, blue is the color of Venus, yellow is the color of Mercury, green is the color of Saturn, purple is the color of Jupiter, orange is the color of the Sun, purple is the color of the moon. At the same time, the colors symbolized not only the planets and their influence, but also the social status of people, their various psychological states. This was manifested in the selection of clothes certain colors, folk sayings, rituals, etc. Different peoples have developed a certain symbolism of colors that has come down to our days.

So, people from ancient times showed a special interest in red. In many languages, the same word denotes the color red and, in general, everything beautiful, beautiful. Among the Polynesians, the word "red" is synonymous with the word "beloved » . In China, a sincere, frank person is called a "red heart", while the heart of an evil, treacherous person is black.

Red color primarily associated with blood and fire. Its symbolic meanings are very diverse and, at times, contradictory. Red symbolizes joy, beauty, love and fullness of life, and on the other hand - enmity, revenge, war. Red has been associated with aggressiveness and sexual desire since ancient times.

Red is the main heraldic color. On the banner, he symbolizes rebellion, revolution, struggle. It is interesting that among many tribes of Africa, America and Australia, warriors, preparing for a fight, painted their bodies and faces red. Carthaginians and Spartans wore red clothes during the war. In ancient China, the rebels called themselves "red warriors", "red spears", "red eyebrows".

Red also means power, greatness. In Byzantium, only the empress had the right to wear red boots. The Emperor signed in purple ink and sat on a purple throne. For many peoples, red symbolizes the south, flame and heat.

White color symbolizes purity, spotlessness, innocence, virtue, joy. He is associated with daylight, as well as with the generative power that is embodied in milk and eggs. Whiteness is associated with the idea of the obvious, generally accepted, legal, true.

In ancient Rome, the vestals wore white dresses and white veils. Ever since antiquity, the white color has meant detachment from the worldly, striving for spiritual simplicity. In the Christian tradition, white denotes kinship with the divine light. Angels, saints and righteous people are depicted in white. In some nations, kings and priests wore white clothes, which symbolized solemnity and greatness.

However, white can also have the opposite meaning. By its nature, it seems to absorb, neutralize all other colors and correlates with emptiness, incorporeality, icy silence and, ultimately, with death. The Slavs dressed the dead in white clothes and covered them with a white shroud. It is customary for some tribes in Africa and Australia to paint the body with white paint after the death of someone close to them. In China and some other countries in Asia and Africa, white is the color of mourning. In the old days, white mourning was also used by the Slavs.

Black color, as a rule, symbolizes misfortune, grief, mourning, death. So, in ancient Mexico, during the ritual sacrifice of a person, the face and hands of the priests were painted black. Black eyes are still considered dangerous, envious. Sinister characters are dressed in black, the appearance of which portends death.

It is also believed that there is a connection between the color black and sexual attractiveness. In some African tribes, women with very black skin are highly valued as lovers, but not as wives. Love passion is shrouded in darkness and mystery; therefore, black can symbolize something secret and passionately desired. Among the Arabs, the expression "blackness of the eyes" means beloved, "blackness of the heart" - love.

Thus, black can also have a favorable meaning. It is perceived as such, for example, in the arid regions of Africa, where there is little water and black clouds promise fertility and abundance. Black bulls, goats or birds are sacrificed to the guardian spirits who send rain, while the priests also dress in black.

Yellow- the color of gold, which since ancient times was perceived as a frozen color of the sun. This is the color of autumn, the color of ripe ears and withering leaves, but also the color of illness, death, the other world.

In many nations, women preferred yellow clothes. Often, yellow color served as a hallmark of noble people and upper classes. For example, Mongolian lamas wear yellow clothing with a red sash.

On the other hand, among some peoples of Asia, yellow is the color of mourning, sorrow, sadness. In Europe, a yellow or yellow-black flag meant quarantine, and a yellow cross meant plague. Among the Slavic peoples, yellow is considered the color of jealousy, betrayal, and in Tibet, jealousy is literally called “yellow eye”. Let's also remember the "yellow press" and the "yellow house"

Blue colour in many nations it symbolizes heaven and eternity. It can also symbolize kindness, fidelity, constancy, location, and in heraldry it means chastity, honesty, good fame and fidelity. "Blue blood" speaks of noble birth; the English call a true Protestant "blue".

In addition, the color blue is close to black and receives similar symbolic meanings. It was considered mourning Ancient Egypt and some peoples of South Africa. The French call horror "blue fear" (recall the tale of the "blue beard". Among the Slavic peoples, blue served as the color of sadness, grief, was associated with the demonic world. Ancient legends describe black and blue demons.

Green is the color of grass and leaves. For many nations, it symbolizes youth, hope, fun, although sometimes it is also immaturity, insufficient perfection. The green color is extremely material and has a calming effect, but it can also produce a depressing impression (it is no coincidence that longing is called “green”, and the person himself “turns green” with anger).

The Iranians associate the green color both with rapid growth and freshness, and with misfortune, sadness, sorrow, therefore they say about the ill-fated person “green leg”, and about the cemetery - “green house”. In medieval Europe, jesters wore green and yellow clothes, and bankrupts in Germany had to wear green hats.

The ancient symbolism of colors and their interpretation in various cultures is confirmed in modern theories the relationship of color and emotional-volitional states not only of an individual, but also of entire communities. The correspondence between color and the dominant psychological state was studied by M. Luscher, I. Goethe and other psychologists.

Today, the symbolism of flowers is widely used in business advertising. Psychologists have found that blue, gold, white, black, red are colors that can be used to identify a product with an elite segment, since these are “expensive” colors that have been identified with the elite of society for centuries. Indeed, in the goods of the upper price range, the combination of blue or black with gold is very common. Black color allows you to effectively highlight the logo (made, for example, in gold) or the image of the product itself. This is done in order to focus the consumer's attention not on the packaging, but on the product itself, to show its significance and prestige. For example, this technique is used by many producers of expensive alcoholic beverages, in particular, Johnny Walker and Black Label whiskey, Comus or Martell cognac. Thus, the name of the product stands out and it is emphasized that in front of you is an elite drink. The same approach is practiced when creating expensive perfumes and colognes for men.

If the colors of the premium segment should be associated with confidence, solidity, then the combination of red and yellow, on the contrary, is associated with a feeling of joy, warmth, fun. It is no coincidence that these two colors are used by "folk" McDonald's restaurants and Lipton tea. Green and blue, which are considered the colors of the May morning, have their own associations. They are usually used to show the freshness of the product.

There are also colors that are strictly forbidden to combine with each other, as they cause negative emotions in the consumer. For example, the combination of purple and orange speaks of hopelessness, suicide. The same effect is caused by an inscription written, for example, in white letters on a dull black background.

Color and character

Each person prefers one color, at least no more than two or three (depending on where these colors are used - in clothes, furnishings, car color, etc.). The pleasant or unpleasant feeling that a particular color evokes can change over time. But in any case, the color you prefer can tell a lot about your character and emotional makeup. Psychologists in such cases use a color test developed by the Swiss psychologist Max Lüscher in the late 1940s. The Luscher test, used by professional psychologists, requires special training for its application. The “lightweight” version of the Luscher test can be easily tested by anyone, using the usual setting of a modern color TV.

Psychologists say : if at the same time red color prevails, then the owner of the TV is trusting, but overly emotional and aggressive. If yellow stands out clearly, then such a person inspires confidence in others, is an optimist and expresses friendliness. But the constant smile on his face is most often a mask behind which lies a strong internal tension. The predominant blue-green color indicates that a person is timid and weak, but dangerous if someone gets in his way. And, finally, those who prefer light blue are accommodating, lazy and do not know the limits in food and drink.

An experienced observer can also provide additional information about a person by their preferred color of the car. As proof of this, we can cite the data of the American psychologist Berthold Schwartz, who claims that the color of a car can be used to judge some of the psychological characteristics of its owner. So, the owners of red and yellow cars are optimists, love of life and consider themselves happy. Nature lovers and realists ride in green. Blue is chosen by people with a balanced character. The owners of white cars hold conservative views, while business people drive in black ones. Gray and silver are to the taste of proud people, and brown is preferred by respectable spouses and fathers of large families.

Below is a description of the primary colors. Based on the preference for one color or another, everyone can independently draw a conclusion about their psychological characteristics.

white- the synthesis of all colors, so it is the "ideal" color. It has a significant meaning, since it simultaneously conveys both the brilliance of light and the coldness of ice. This color can be preferred by a person with any character, he does not repel anyone;
black- the color of uncertainty, symbolizing a gloomy perception of life. The one who prefers to dress in black often perceives life in dark colors, is insecure, unhappy, prone to depression, because he has no doubt that his ideals in life are unattainable. The frequent change of a black suit or dress to another, brighter, catchy one, indicates that pessimistic moods are often dispelled. The constant choice of black indicates the presence of a certain crisis state and characterizes an aggressive rejection of the world or oneself (recall the black banners of anarchists). Children who are acutely experiencing the lack of care and love often use black shading in the drawing. Normally, black is generally rejected;
grey- the favorite color of reasonable and distrustful natures who think for a long time before making any decision. It is also a neutral color that is preferred by those who are afraid to make themselves known too loudly. If you don’t like this color, then this is an indicator of an impulsive, frivolous character. Often the gray color is also preferred in case of severe overwork as a barrier that separates from the stimuli of the outside world. In situations of psychological testing, this color is used as a means of protection against the penetration of another into the inner world of the test subject. A study of about two thousand young men in a situation of competitive examinations for filling vacant positions showed that gray was put in the first place by 27% of the subjects instead of the usual 5% in a normal situation;
red- the color of passion. If this is a favorite color, then such a person is bold, this is a strong-willed, imperious type, quick-tempered and sociable. Plus, he's an altruist. People who are annoyed by this color have an inferiority complex, fear of quarrels, a tendency to solitude, stability in relationships. Red color symbolizes excitement, energy. This color is also a symbol of eroticism. Disgust, ignoring red reflects organic weakness, physical or mental exhaustion. Prisoners of war, forced to live in life-threatening conditions for years, rejected him especially often. Red is the color most preferred by teenagers;
brown- choose those who firmly and confidently stood on their feet. People who have a weakness for him appreciate traditions, family. The preference for brown reflects, first of all, the desire for simple instinctive experiences, primitive sensual joys. However, the choice of this color as the most preferred also indicates a certain physical exhaustion. Normally, along with black, brown is most often rejected;
yellow- symbolizes calmness, ease in relations with people, intelligence. When he is loved, it means sociability, curiosity, courage, easy adaptability and enjoyment of the opportunity to please and attract people to him. When he is unpleasant, then we are talking about a person who is concentrated, pessimistic, with whom it is difficult to make acquaintance. Yellow is obtained by mixing green and red and is the color of energy. The greatest preference for yellow is given by pregnant women who are expecting a successful outcome of childbirth, as well as people prone to changing places. Yellow is also interpreted as the color of illumination (halo of Christ or Buddha);
blue- the color of the sky, peace, relaxation. If you like him, then this speaks of modesty and melancholy; such a person often needs to rest, he quickly gets tired, it is extremely important for him to have a sense of confidence, the benevolence of others. In the rejection of this color, a person is revealed who wants to give the impression that he can do everything in the world. But, in essence, he is a model of uncertainty and isolation. Indifference to this color speaks of a well-known frivolity in the field of feelings, although hidden under the mask of courtesy. In short, the choice of blue as the most preferred color reflects the physiological and psychological need of a person for peace, and the rejection of it means that a person avoids relaxation. With illness or overwork, the need for blue increases;
green- the color of nature, nature, life itself, spring. The one who prefers it is afraid of someone else's influence, looking for a way of self-assertion, since this is vitally important for him. Anyone who does not love him is afraid of everyday problems, the vicissitudes of fate, in general, all difficulties. The green color contains hidden potential energy, reflects the degree of volitional tension, so people who prefer green color strive for self-confidence and confidence in general. Eccentric people, who achieve their goals not with purposeful volitional activity, but through emotions, reject the green color as unsympathetic. Along with them, the green color is rejected by people who are on the verge of mental and physical exhaustion.

Other colors can also tell about the psychological characteristics of a person's condition. So, Orange- the favorite color of people with intuition and passionate dreamers. In heraldry, this color also means hypocrisy and pretense. Pink is the color of life, of all living things. He talks about the need to love and be kinder. Those who like him can get excited about the most insignificant thing. In people who are overly pragmatic, this color causes irritation. Purple symbolizes the inherent human infantilism and suggestibility, the need for support, support. In this sense, the choice or denial of the purple color acts as a kind of indicator of mental and sexual maturity.

Research conducted by Russian psychologists V.F. Petrenko and V.V. Kucherenko, confirm the existing relationship between emotional states person and choosing certain colors as their preferred ones. So, in situations of joy, fun, energy-saturated colors (yellow and red) are especially preferred, colors of peace and relaxation (blue and brown), as well as the color of non-existence (black) are simultaneously denied. For situations where a person feels guilty for various actions, it is typical, on the contrary, to deny the energy-rich red and yellow and prefer gray and blue colors. Blue, therefore, reflects not only serene peace and relaxation, but in combination with gray corresponds to a state of passive depression. In situations that pose any danger to a person, a preference is given to green, associated with volitional tension, and yellow, as energy-saturated, associated with the need for a quick discharge of tension. Moreover, if fear is characterized by the predominance of green and gray colors while rejecting yellow, red and purple, then aggressive excitement in response to danger is characterized by a combination of yellow and green while rejecting black and brown.

Color and functionality.

Currently, scientists are making active attempts to use the influence of color on human psychophysiology for commercial and domestic purposes. At the same time, as already noted, each person perceives color in his own way. Therefore, decorators and designers, designing the interior of premises, should always take into account socio-demographic features - gender, age, profession, etc. However, there are also some General characteristics the effects of colors on humans. The predominance of any color (or combination of colors) in the design of the room creates a certain emotional business environment. Few businessmen know that the color scheme of the interior affects the subconscious of a person. And not only on the performance of employees, but also on the results of business negotiations.

Thus, the blue color contributes to better assimilation of information and the establishment of friendly relations, so it is recommended to use it in negotiation rooms. And, it would seem, blue, close to it, on the contrary, scatters attention and reduces the efficiency of staff. So many managers do not even realize that the reason for a sharp decline in the commercial profit of their company may well be ... a chic renovation in the office, made in the now very fashionable "sky blue" style.

Green color has a calming effect on the nervous system, relieves headaches, fatigue, irritability, lowers blood pressure. Red increases the content of adrenaline in the blood, increases efficiency and is therefore especially recommended for slow, lethargic people. However, an excess of red and green at the subconscious level awakens a thirst for profit in a person, and red, among other things, increases aggressiveness (it is no coincidence that the red jacket has become the symbol of the “new Russians”). Violet color improves the functioning of the heart and lungs, increases the endurance of the body. Nevertheless, they should not be abused: this color is a sub-threshold catalyst for fatigue. So if you want to buy a purple blouse, then it's time to go on vacation.

The transition in the room from yellow to blue is soothing. They walk on the pink floor with caution, on the brown floor - confidently. The white luminescent color irritates the nervous system, and the yellow-orange light of the lamps promotes creative thinking and good mood.

It has also been observed that in public places where coloration is limited to white, black and grey, people do not linger unnecessarily. Colors can visually expand rooms (for example, yellow and yellow-green) or narrow them (red-orange). At the same time, in a red room it seems 3-4 degrees warmer than in an orange one, and in an orange room it seems 3-4 degrees warmer than in a blue-green one.

Each of the colors carries its own emotional load, which must be taken into account when stimulating labor activity. So, the combination of red and blue-green color stimulates overall performance. Yellow or yellow-green with orange relieve mental fatigue, and yellow separately promotes mental activity. Blue is recommended for child labor rooms, pink for the welding shop, and blue for the lathe. In general, during work, yellow-green tones in various combinations and shades are the most optimal. During meals, orange-red tones are preferred, and during rest hours, it is not so much the tone that matters as the dynamics of colors.

So what colors are recommended to give preference to when decorating an office? It is better to use yellow tones, but in small quantities. Large doses of yellow give rise to excessive greed (who needs employees who are always dissatisfied with their salary or partners who make excessive financial demands?), And small doses stimulate brain activity and increase the efficiency of mental work. Moderate doses of yellow contribute to the success of negotiations, as they stimulate the desire to find compromises.

Literature.

Color personality test. - Minsk, 2000.
Petrenko V.F., Kucherenko V.V. Relationship between emotion and color. - Vestn. Moscow un-ta - ser 14. - 1988. - No. 3.
Know yourself. - Moscow, 1990.
Shchekin G.V. Visual psychodiagnostics and its methods. - Kyiv., 1990.

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