Red color in psychology: meaning, influence on humans

Greetings, friends!

The influence of colors and shades on a person’s mood is a well-known psychological phenomenon. An excess of certain colors in the environment can excite or calm, invigorate or help to relax, make you feel positive or make you sad. One of the most powerful colors on our psyche is red.

In this regard, it is very ambiguous, since it can cause both positive and negative emotional reactions. We associate it with beauty and love, and it also symbolizes danger. Let's figure out why this happens. We will look at the meaning of the color red from a psychological point of view, find out why it has such meaning for us and why it can cause such ambiguous emotions.

The meaning of red in psychology

The color red has attracted people's attention since ancient times. It was considered exciting and served as a danger signal. For many peoples, it was associated with power, so it was used by rulers. Nowadays it is often used in advertising because it attracts attention and calls to action. Science has proven its stimulating effect is related to the wavelength.

Photo: wallpaperplay.com

It is believed that the color red stimulates activity, increases efficiency and improves mood. It causes a surge of energy as it increases your heart rate. And its excess can even cause an increase in blood pressure. In some people, it leads to anxiety, outbursts of aggression, and irritability.

Psychology studies the influence of colors on character. It has been noticed that a person can avoid some shades, preferring others.

Those whose favorite color is red have the following characteristics:

they are strong-willed, purposeful, and do not retreat from difficulties;
energetic and efficient;
they are leaders and can lead others;
in relationships with the opposite sex they are also active;
stubborn and persistent, get their way;
but they are intolerant, it is difficult for them to compromise;
The negative qualities of such people include cruelty and a tendency to violence.

Orange color

Orange is softer than red, but just as impulsive. Its main purpose is to invigorate, lift spirits and inspire optimism. A person in orange is regarded as a lover of life and a creative, artistic person. People wearing clothes of this color are perceived favorably and friendly, but due to the great emotionality of the color, it will not look organically in a business image.

Suitable for: This color is suitable for people of free and creative professions. For those who don't like rigid boundaries. For those who want to liberate themselves and free up their creative potential.

If you haven’t found your favorite color, wait for the second part of the analysis from beauty psychologist Vladimir Chinivizov.

What is it associated with and what does it symbolize?

People have long studied what the color red means. Among different peoples and at different times, it was associated with danger, blood, love, power and other concepts. It always attracted attention, so it was used in symbols.

The main association is love. Hearts, roses, inscriptions, and Cupid's arrows are painted red. These are symbols of passion, sensuality, desire.
Symbol of power, greatness, leadership. Red is used on the flags and coats of arms of many countries.
It has long been associated with struggle, war, and blood. Red was associated with the god of war, warriors dressed in red clothes.
In Christianity, it is a symbol of sacrifice, the shed blood of Christ. But this color is also associated with the Last Judgment, retribution.
This is a symbol of danger, which is why red is used on many warning signs.
But it is also the color of fun. It is no coincidence that all holidays are called “red day”.

White

White color is the epitome of purity and elegance. It is chosen by kind, nice people who are charged with positive energy. A light outfit is like a reflection of a bright soul.

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There is another interpretation of this color. White is preferred by bold and self-confident people. Dressed in all light, they seem to challenge society, conveying that they are not afraid of anyone or anything.

Interpretation depending on shade

The color red has many shades, although most people distinguish no more than 4-5. Each shade has a different meaning. You can tell a lot about a person from it. Different shades of red have different effects on the psyche.

Scarlet stimulates sensuality and calls for action. This is the most fiery shade; it can push a person to a rash act. May provoke aggression or hysteria.
Burgundy combines the features of red and brown colors. Lovers of this color have a strong will and a tendency to think. But a large amount of burgundy is depressing.
Raspberry symbolizes love of life and determination. People who prefer this color strive for success, they are optimistic and active. But under the influence of raspberry, they can make impulsive decisions.
Dark red color does not excite, but on the contrary, makes a person inert. Under its influence, people become skeletal, condescending, even cruel.

Pink

The bright hue reveals a Barbie doll wannabe. This is the choice of a young coquette. At a more mature age, women choose soft and neutral pink tones.

The delicate pink shade is the most soothing of all in the palette. It's feminine and warm. A person who prefers such colors is a romantic and an optimist. He loves himself, in the good sense of the word, and appreciates comfort.

What color can say in clothes, interior

Different people prefer clothes of a certain color, choosing it not only for its beauty, but depending on their psychological state. Red color in clothes is more appropriate on a romantic date than at a business meeting. After all, it means that a person is ready to aggressively defend his position, he wants to be the center of attention.

Photo: yavmode.ru

Those who choose red clothes are determined, persistent, strive for leadership, but need approval. Women who wear such clothes try to attract the attention of the opposite sex.

In the interior, red should be used carefully, mainly in the form of accessories. If there is a lot of it, it will have a depressing effect, tire you, and increase anxiety. Therefore, it is not recommended to wallpaper a room with red wallpaper - it will be difficult to stay in it for a long time. Typically this color is used for curtains, pillows, and decorative elements. Red is especially appropriate in the kitchen, as it stimulates the appetite.

Green color

It can be different: closer to yellow or blue. In any case, it is the color of nature, fertility, prosperity. It is equally positively perceived by people of different characters and temperaments. Green is loved by balanced, self-possessed, benevolent people. Green things are associated with success and wealth, so a green jacket, jacket, trousers or skirt is a completely appropriate item in a business wardrobe.

Suitable for: Green is suitable for those who strive for inner harmony, balance, and material stability. This is the color of restoration, accumulation of strength and new beginnings.

Positive, negative influence on men and women

The influence of the color red on the psyche of men and women can be used. It can invigorate and increase self-confidence. This shade helps you make the right decision, stimulates activity and increases your desire to achieve your own goals. It has a sexually stimulating effect on men.

But red also has a negative effect. It can excite so much that it will lead to aggression, irritability, and temper. Too much red drains a person, exhausting and tiring. Psychologists do not recommend wearing clothes of this color when depressed or during stress.

Yellow

Yellow is the color of cheerful and cheerful people who radiate positivity in any situation. They charge others with this energy, motivating them to take active action. Also, people who prefer yellow are a little frivolous and often make rash decisions.

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The influence of color on a child's psyche

The color red has a negative effect on children. Its excess can provoke mental disorder and panic. A child surrounded by a lot of red may become hysterical, aggressive, cry often and have trouble sleeping.

If a child often draws in red, psychologists associate this with character traits such as openness, emotionality, and energy. But if a usually calm baby suddenly starts using this color, he may be tense or scared.

In nature, red color is rare, and people are also recommended to use it in doses. It is quite aggressive and has a strong effect on the psyche. But sometimes it helps to gain self-confidence and strength to achieve goals.

Blue

Blue color is a symbol of peace, sky, peace, light and youth. It does not irritate anyone, does not arouse negative feelings, therefore it is included in business circles on a par with white color. Blue clothes are the perfect solution for any occasion.

Suitable for: Blue color is recommended for those who want to look younger and fresher. Those who value peace and naturalness do not accept violent feelings. The man in blue does not cause fear; people willingly enter into dialogue with him and trust him with information.

Love, sexuality and beauty

Even in the ancient world, we find symbolic meanings of the color red associated with love, in particular, the red rose as a symbol of Aphrodite - the goddess of love and beauty. In addition to the rose, other red flowers can also carry the meaning of love, such as a scarlet flower - a symbol of anticipation of a love relationship.

Red is not just consonant with “beautiful”, but very often it is the red color that means beauty, holiday (Red Maiden, Red Square, Red Day).

The color red carries the meaning not only of platonic love, but also of sexuality, excitement, passion, free love. (Red Light District is the name of the area where prostitutes work). After all, red is the color not only of blood, but also of fire, a flaming, uncontrollable element, and this is reflected in symbolic meanings associated with passion, excitement and danger.

Psychological significance.

Love and sympathy for the color red, first of all, speaks of the active position of the individual, the presence of an unshakable will to win, the desire to achieve success in everything. This is a self-confident person who gains his confidence in practice, through personal experience, a person not of doubt and reflection, but of action. The red color speaks of developed willpower, a penchant for entrepreneurship, and sports. Max Luscher, the author of the most famous color test, in addition to activity, also highlights such characteristics of red as autonomous

and
striving to take possession of everything
. Autonomy is manifested in a clear awareness and protection of one’s boundaries – both material (one’s property) and personal (self-respect, independence from the assessment of others). Expansion, or the desire to take possession of everything, can manifest itself in imposing one’s opinion, in material acquisitions, in the desire to compete and win, and in sexual conquests.

On the contrary, dislike of red, avoidance of this color, indicates avoidance of activity. This position may be associated with overexcitation, nervous exhaustion, irritation caused by a lack of vitality or a large number of problems that a person cannot cope with. In such a situation, the color red for a person is not a stimulus to action and overcome a difficult situation, but a reminder of his helplessness and a signal of an external threat.

Red in advertising

Red is one of the most popular colors in advertising, and it's no surprise because it simply grabs our attention! Since red stimulates the appetite, it is very effective when used to advertise food products, restaurants, etc. The color red is associated with a sweet taste, therefore, for advertising confectionery products, in order not to evoke a feeling of sickly sweetness, it is recommended to combine it with another color, for example, white (advertising for Coca-Cola, Raffaello sweets). In general, the combination of white and red is also associated with lightness and creates a feeling of celebration, which makes the product even more attractive.

It is important to use red in moderation and take into account the target audience of the advertisement. Red color is preferred by younger people; it also corresponds to masculine qualities (activity, independence and conquest), therefore it is more popular with men than with women. Excessive use of red, or presenting it to an inappropriate audience (pensioners, for example), can cause the opposite effect - irritation and aggression towards the advertised item.

Natalya Luchina for https://junona.pro

What is Color Theory

An interesting fact that few people know is that artists have been using Color Theory for hundreds of years.
But the history of its application in business and marketing is much shorter. One of the first modern interpretations of Color Theory was written about a hundred years ago by Albert Munsell. Munsell came up with a three-component model to describe color properties, in which color is identified using three concepts - value (English value), hue (English hue) and saturation / brightness (English croma).

In the last few decades, the use of Color Theory has come into internet marketing. Web designers have had to work hard to describe an understanding of how the human brain perceives colors in a digital context.

Why Apply Color Theory to Your Websites

Currently, Color Theory is becoming increasingly relevant in the field of Internet marketing due to the growing importance of bounce rates and other interaction statistics.
When a visitor decides in a split second whether to trust a site or not, every little detail is important. And the application of Color Theory in practice in this case can have a decisive impact on the visitor’s consciousness, forcing him to stay on the page. When creating websites, designers use Color Theory to improve aesthetics, page readability, and, most importantly, to achieve the desired psychological impact. Instead of using colors that just look good, you can base your design on creating a real effect - using research into the effects of color on our thinking. Based on Color Theory, you can achieve maximum user engagement and minimize the likelihood that they will not be interested.

How to choose colors for a website

It's tempting to use a minimalist design when designing a website.
Modesty is attractive because you can choose what the user will pay attention to first - highlighting the necessary content in the right places on the page. But by playing with color combinations you get one of the easiest ways to make your site stand out from the general “gray” Internet. Using contrasting colors will help with this, and your site will seem fresh and interesting to users. Our brains naturally interpret contrasting colors as clear and bold designs, making landing pages appear more attractive.

How to find complementary yet contrasting colors? Use the color wheel. The color wheel is a proven tool that is used to show the relationships between primary, secondary and tertiary colors. But you should not choose colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel - the contrast will be too aggressive. There are many variations of a similar tool on the Internet that will help you choose bright, contrasting, but compatible colors.

Color theory in website design

All the text above fits into a simple idea - the right combination of colors on landing pages has a big impact on bounce rates and conversions.
Using the basic rules of Color Theory when developing a website design will help you increase its attractiveness to visitors. In an area where only a few seconds separate success from failure, using a competent color management strategy can significantly increase your conversion rate. Color schemes are one of the most underrated ways to influence the attractiveness of your website in the eyes of visitors. Color Theory will help you understand what users experience when they first look at your website. Pay attention to him, by the way. What are your people

brand colors?