The study of stress is very important to our fast-paced society where de-stressing and seeking calm has become a profession for some, and a task that feels impossible for others. There have been many studies done in the field of stress and the various potential causes in everyday life. One study done by Chen, Fang, & Fang shows the efficacy of aromatherapy in nurses that were experiencing high stress levels due to their demanding occupations (2013). In this study, nurses wore a small bottle of lavender essential oil on their chest and were asked to determine their stress levels both at the beginning and end of their shifts for the duration of the experiment. It was found that this type of olfactory stimulation reduced the normal stress symptoms
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While this area remains generally unchartered, one study looked into the effects of color on heart rate variability (HRV) and difference on IQ performance (Elliot, Payen, Brisswalter, Cury, Thayer, 2011). Before starting the study, each participant’s HRV was measured in order to acquire a baseline measurement. In this study, the color red was shown to significantly hinder a participant’s performance on an IQ test after being shown an instruction sheet that had a red background. The control groups of participants were given their instructions on sheets that had either blue or gray backgrounds and it was found that these colors had no significant difference on the participant’s performance. Before the participants took a second IQ exam after being given the colored instruction sheet, their HRV was tested again to see whether the color had any physical effect on their heart rate. The color red has always been thought to promote agitation and stimulation but little in depth research has been done to prove this …show more content…
Most of the research has been done in the area of color and achievement such as in Elliot, Maier, Moller, Friedman, & Meinhardt’s study of how the color red affects performance (2007). In some cases, the ability to perform or lack thereof could be caused by stress or anxiety, but stress alone has not been studied in a way that clearly shows that certain colors can trigger certain emotions such as stress. It is my intention to study the direct effects of color on stress through the use of HRV as done by Elliot, Payen, Brisswalter, Cury, & Thayer in their 2011 study. Unlike their study though, I intend to measure participants HRV before the study to attain a baseline rate for each participant. My study will consist of two slideshows of various colors. The first slideshow will have predominately red hues and tones. After the first slideshow is administered, the participants will each have their HRV measured again. After a suitable resting period, the second slideshow, consisting of mostly blue hues and tones will be administered the participants HRV’s will be measured directly after the conclusion of the slideshow. Comparing each of the HRVs with the baseline attained before the slideshows will be able to show whether or not color has a definitive connection to
While this area remains generally unchartered, one study looked into the effects of color on heart rate variability (HRV) and difference on IQ performance (Elliot, Payen, Brisswalter, Cury, Thayer, 2011). Before starting the study, each participant’s HRV was measured in order to acquire a baseline measurement. In this study, the color red was shown to significantly hinder a participant’s performance on an IQ test after being shown an instruction sheet that had a red background. The control groups of participants were given their instructions on sheets that had either blue or gray backgrounds and it was found that these colors had no significant difference on the participant’s performance. Before the participants took a second IQ exam after being given the colored instruction sheet, their HRV was tested again to see whether the color had any physical effect on their heart rate. The color red has always been thought to promote agitation and stimulation but little in depth research has been done to prove this …show more content…
Most of the research has been done in the area of color and achievement such as in Elliot, Maier, Moller, Friedman, & Meinhardt’s study of how the color red affects performance (2007). In some cases, the ability to perform or lack thereof could be caused by stress or anxiety, but stress alone has not been studied in a way that clearly shows that certain colors can trigger certain emotions such as stress. It is my intention to study the direct effects of color on stress through the use of HRV as done by Elliot, Payen, Brisswalter, Cury, & Thayer in their 2011 study. Unlike their study though, I intend to measure participants HRV before the study to attain a baseline rate for each participant. My study will consist of two slideshows of various colors. The first slideshow will have predominately red hues and tones. After the first slideshow is administered, the participants will each have their HRV measured again. After a suitable resting period, the second slideshow, consisting of mostly blue hues and tones will be administered the participants HRV’s will be measured directly after the conclusion of the slideshow. Comparing each of the HRVs with the baseline attained before the slideshows will be able to show whether or not color has a definitive connection to