The study examines how the color red affects muscular activity. Previous research has shown that red induces motor activity in many vertebrates. This study shows that when compared to gray and blue of the same lightness, red induces a stronger and faster motor reaction and facilitates strength and force. Hence, the colors around us predict their affect, not just on our sense of beauty, but also our ability to move fast in response to a threat and to focus on tasks.
The color red instills a feeling of threat, fear and danger in primates and humans. In the human world, red is the color of anger, danger and error; and yet, researchers have failed to systematically and convincingly associate any color with a physical reaction from humans or animals. Here, the researchers examine how motor activity is driven by the brain upon being stimulated by the color red. In humans and primates, parts of the brain are stimulated upon getting a threat signal and trigger activity in muscles to prepare for defense or flight. This type of motor behavior is voluntary and forceful and is being explored in this study.
- In test one, gray and red were compared. In this test, 30 students (aged 10-16 years) participated. A questionnaire with the participant’s number written in large red or gray color was handed to each participant with a metal clasp.
- The participants were asked to pinch open the clasp wide after reading the number aloud. An experimenter recorded the width in millimeters with a ruler, and served as an indicator of maximum force.
- In test two, blue was used along with red and gray. This test measured the velocity of force as well as strength associated with each color.
- In test two, 46 people (aged 18-31 years) were divided into 3 groups. A handgrip and a questionnaire were given to each participant. The participants were asked to squeeze hard when the word “squeeze” appeared on a screen in a black font on a red, blue or gray background.
- Maximum force, mean force, and rate of escalation in force were recorded digitally.
- Male participants were able to open the clasp wider or squeeze the handgrip harder than female participants.
- In test one, the color of the number on the participant’s paper affected the pinching action. Average width for red (16.26 mm) was higher than gray (12.55 mm).
- In test two, on average, red influenced the participants to squeeze with more strength (289.44 N) than blue (221.42 N) or gray (217.36 N).
- The mean force was also more for the participants who saw a red background than those who viewed the blue or gray backgrounds.
- The red background induced a faster rate towards maximum strength than blue or gray.
Red seems to initiate a surge of energy. Future research is required to test if red initiates any specific actions against threat. It is not clear whether red induces anger or expectation of aggression, and results in corresponding reactions (like hitting). Neural and hormonal activity associated with seeing red is also recommended.
The viewing of red induces a stronger motor reaction when compared to two other colors, gray and blue. Red color did not just elicit a stronger physical reaction, but also a faster and more consistently-strong reaction. This phenomenon is similar to wild animal behavior where red may be seen as a color of threat, inducing a rapid preparation for defense or flight. While such stimulation might help in some aspects of competitive sport, having red around might be distracting for tasks requiring concentration. Different colors have different lightness and hue characteristics, and the study suggests that these have a significant effect on human life.
For More Information:
Perception of the color red enhances the force and velocity of motor output
Publication Journal: Emotion, 2011
By Andrew J. Elliot; Henk Aarts
From the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York and the University of Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
*FYI Living Lab Reports Are Summaries of the Original Research.