Flowers and Moods
The positive impact of flowers on people’s moods
A recent study in the UK shows how flowers bring about positive changes in people’s moods
According to behavioral research conducted in
Scotland, nature provides us with a simple way to improve our emotional
health and that is flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy
emotions, heightens feelings of satisfaction and affects people’s
behavior in much more positive ways than has been previously believed.
“The most exciting thing about this study is that it challenges established
scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in
a healthy and natural way,” said Dr David Purdie, Ph.D., Professor of
Psychology at Strathclyde University and lead researcher in the study.
Research Findings
A team of researchers looked at the link between flowers and life
satisfaction in a 9-month study of participants’ behavioral and
emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results clearly show that
flowers are a natural and healthy moderator of moods.
* Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All participants in the
study expressed “true” or “excited” smiles upon receiving flowers,
demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was
universal and occurred in all age groups.
* Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically,
participants in the study reported feeling less depressed and agitated
after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment
and life satisfaction.But not only is the flower itself, but also we
must consider how that gift is presented. Thus, if presented a bouquet
of flowers in which the link between the flowers go to the left means
that the sentiments expressed concern to the sender, while if it goes
right, refer to the recipient. Thus, the color red is a symbol of care,
uplifting and therefore is considered a color passionate.
The study also explored where people display flowers in their homes. The
arrangements were placed in areas of the home that are open to visitors –
such as hallways, sitting rooms and dining rooms – suggesting that
flowers are a symbol of sharing.
“Flowers bring about positive emotional feelings in those who enter a room,” said Dr. Purdie. Also,
giving flowers is a great way to express what is within us, without
losing the detail and which do not have to spend much money, and
although its duration is not permanent, intent, dedication and care
select stay forever.