Effects of Color Images on Psychosomatic State-Effectiveness of Color Images as Mood Stimulants as Assessed by Using an Image Selection System-
10.1625/jcam.5.225
- VernacularTitle:色彩映像の心理的効果 ‐映像選択システムの併用による色彩映像の感情刺激効果の検討‐
- Author:
Yumi SAITO
;
Satoshi SASAYAMA
;
Sawako SUGA
;
Masaki IKEMOTO
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
color images;
Multiple Mood Scale (MMS);
salivary cortisol;
salivary Chromogranin A;
psychosomatic stress
- From:Japanese Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
2008;5(3):225-232
- CountryJapan
- Language:Japanese
-
Abstract:
Objective: To assess the effectiveness of color images as mood stimulants by using an image selection system.
Methods: Color images of flowers and seascapes, each mainly comprising of 5 colors, were arranged into a set of 50 images (10 images for each of 5 colors) on a personal computer and shown to 40 university students on stressful days during (i) an examination period and (ii) a non-examination period. The students selected color images according to their individual preferences by using an image selection system. To determine the effect of viewing the color images, mood adjective scores as determined by the Multiple Mood Scale (MMS) were measured as an emotional parameter, and the levels of salivary chromogranin A (CgA) and salivary cortisol were measured as biochemical parameters. These data were analyzed statistically and a p value less than 0.05 was considered significant.
Results: After viewing the color images, mean MMS scores indicating positive moods, such as well-being and friendliness increased significantly (p<0.05), and scores indicating negative moods, such as depression, boredom and hostility decreased significantly(p<0.05). The mean value of salivary CgA also decreased significantly after viewing the images (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Color images could possibly be used to induce a parasympathetically dominant state.
