The psychology of color according to Eva Heller

  • Jul 26, 2021
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The psychology of color according to Eva Heller

Did you know that colors can influence our way of perceiving and even feeling? The psychology of color is an area of ​​psychology that is constantly developing due to its increasing importance in society in general. Eva Heller, the psychologist, teacher, sociologist and author of the book: "The Psychology of Color", was one of the professionals most interested in researching about this field of psychology

In this article from Psychology-Online: the psychology of color according to Eva Heller, we are going to let you know in a summarized way but at the same time detailed the essence of what Eva Heller wants to communicate to us in her book.

The psychologist, sociologist and professor Eva Heller, demonstrated in her book "the psychology of color" that the colors are not used just and that all have a particular meaning and purpose.

It also indicates that there is a close relationship between colors and our feelings since it is not only a matter of preferences but it is projected further towards a universal experience where colors are rooted in our language and our beliefs.

The research carried out by Eva Heller in her time provides us with a great deal of information about colors, as well as the way they are used to design some products or brands commercials, tests that are based on colors, the way in which people are usually manipulated by means of them, in which way we can heal ourselves with colors, among much more interesting information.

Due to the large number of uses that we can give to colors and the way in which they influence people, knowing about it color theory It is an excellent tool that can be used by some professionals such as therapists, graphic designers, decorators, fashion designers, artists, publicists, among many others.

The psychology of color according to Eva Heller - Synopsis and summary of the book: the psychology of color

Generally, the people who use colors the most to influence people are the creative professionals who are in the world of marketing and graphic design. Although it can not only be useful for that, but also to positively influence our personal relationships.

  • Absolutely all colors have a meaning although sometimes it does not seem so.
  • Generally older people tend to prefer brighter or summery colors as they project a more youthful appearance. It is said that the older we get, we tend to opt more for these types of colors (for example, orange, the yellow, green, sky blue)
  • The same color can have a totally different effect when found combined with other colors. This is because the effect that each color produces will always be determined by the context in which it is found.
  • When a color is combined with black, although previously it has had a positive meaning, when combined, it automatically becomes negative. For example, the color red refers to love but if it is combined with black it can be the opposite and turn into hatred.
  • The combination of some typical shape such as an apple combined with a color that has nothing to do with it such as orange will always attract attention.
  • If you want to know more, we recommend you read the following article: how colors affect mood.
The psychology of color according to Eva Heller - How colors act on feelings and reason

Next we will give a brief explanation of the association some of the colors referred to by the author of the book Eva Heller with feelings.

Blue

Blue is the only color in which no negative feelings predominate If not the opposite. A curious fact about this color is that there are some languages ​​that do not have a name to call the color blue. It is said that when the color blue is used as the main color, reason predominates more than passion or unbridled love. The color blue will always refer to friendship, empathy, trust, honesty and all kinds of values ​​that have the ability to last forever.

Red

It is a quite controversial color, intense and even ambivalent. A curious fact is that it is said to be the first color to which a name was assigned. It is a color that if abused and exaggerated undoubtedly becomes quite annoying. Another curious fact is that in countries that are cold, the meaning of the color red It is quite beautiful and positive, however in hot countries it is considered the opposite and can be quite unpleasant and even represent something demonic. Last but not least, mention that the color red is directly associated with love, passionate, erotic, as well as can represent the war, violence and hatred.

Yellow

It is one of the colors favorites of older people. This color can project a lot of joy, positivity, fun, optimism, among many other positive emotions, however it can also project everything contrary and awaken negative emotions such as mistrust, jealousy, envy, greed, selfishness, etc. It can also indicate a warning sign which gives it a more negative than positive aspect, which is why many graphic designers Sometimes it is difficult for them to add it since although it attracts attention, it is closely related to the warnings that they put on various items such as boxes and packaging.

Green

This color is pretty cheerful, especially in its lighter tones, however it can become dull except for the green that is generally used for the blackboard which is the most suitable to keep an eye on it for a long time weather. Being a neutral color, is continually influenced by the colors that accompany it and this can give it a more positive or negative aspect. It is highly related to nature, energy, vitality and hope.

Black

This is said to be the color most preferred by young people, as older people tend to associate it more with death unlike the young people who associate it more with fashion. Black refers to evil, mourning, death, lies, infidelity, however it also has a more positive connotation and can represent what mysterious and magic.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

Heller, E. and Chamorro Mielke, J. (2017). Color psychology. Barcelona: Gustavo Gili.

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