ISSN 1671-3710
CN 11-4766/R
主办:中国科学院心理研究所
出版:科学出版社

Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2013, Vol. 21 ›› Issue (3): 398-406.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1042.2013.00398

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Psychological Effect of Red: Phenomenon and Mechanism Review

ZHANG Tengxiao;HAN Buxin   

  1. (Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institution of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China)
  • Received:2012-04-18 Online:2013-03-15 Published:2013-03-15
  • Contact: HAN Buxin

Abstract: Red is one of the most common colors in nature and human society. Its psychological effect is getting much more attention after the phenomenon that red sportswear enhanced performance in the Olympic contests was reported. Studies focused on psychological effect of red were reviewed from the perspectives of physiology, behavior, cognition, language, culture, emotion, and attitude. A Context Hypothesis of Red Effect was proposed. The links between red color and psychological meanings determined by heredity and experience are the origins of psychological effect of red. The links induce a particular mental state in a certain context, which influences the individual’s psychology and behavior. The psychological effect of color and its mechanism has been one of the frontiers in the science of color and its application.

Key words: red, psychological effect, psychological meaning, Context Hypothesis