Meaning of the color yellow according to psychology

The color yellow is in the rays of the sun, in gold and in the days of spring, but also in the acid that corrodes and in greed. Let’s get to know him a little better.

The meaning of the color yellow has a lot to do with its physical characteristics: warm, bright and striking. It is difficult not to notice it in a painting or to locate a flower of this tone in the middle of a field of grass.

But what influence does it have on mood and behavior? The study of the chromatic effect in people is a well-known area within psychology. Here, therefore, you will find a summary of what is known about this color and how it is used to generate an effect on others. Let’s get started.

Physical characteristics of the color yellow

The color yellow is that which is perceived when the eye collects light with a wavelength of 574-582 nanometers (nm). It is the color of lemon, dandelions and bananas. It is located in the center of the human visible spectrum.

As a subtractive color (that is, the one found in pigments) it is considered primary; Its complementary on the color wheel is violet.

As an additive color (the one found in highlights), it is treated as secondary. It is the result of mixing green and red lights. That is, when we see yellow banana skin, it is because red and green lights are being reflected, while blue lights are absorbed.

Yellow in psychological colors

Yellow, along with red, green and blue, It is one of the primary psychological colors. It is a warm tone that is usually grouped within reds, oranges and their derivatives.

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Meaning of the color yellow

The color yellow is often related to vitality, gold, sunshine and joviality. It is the light of spring days in which energy is overflowing. Likewise, it is associated with what is dry and damaged, like desert sand or a page from an old book, yellowed by the passage of time.

As with all colors, yellow evokes positive and negative feelings, depending on the context and the use given to it. Let’s look at the most common ones:

Negative connotations: acidity, selfishness, envy, resentment, cowardice, deterioration.Positive connotations: vitality, energy, joviality, enthusiasm, extroversion and creativity.

Meaning of yellow in different cultures

The symbolism given to each color depends largely on the culture which, in turn, is influenced by the environment. The yellow of a sandstorm is not the same as that of the radiant sun. Therefore, here are some cultural connotations of yellow:

Germany: represents envy.Ancient Greece: divine wisdom.Buddhism: It is the color of humility.Ancient Egypt: happiness and prosperity.Mexico: Golden yellow was the color prior to the renewal that spring brings.China: color of the center of the universe, but also the one that leads to death (along with black). In the same way, it symbolizes deception.

How does yellow affect mood and behavior?

Yellow is noted as a stimulating color for the mind, since warm tones increase excitement more than cold pigments. Thanks to this effect, It is usually used in environments and content for weak people or that they need to overcome the lack of energy. Likewise, it is found in offices and other work environments, as it promotes productivity.

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Due to their meaning, yellow and other warm colors are not recommended in rooms where tranquility is sought, such as bedrooms and hospitals. This association with energy and positivity has been harnessed in the marketing.

As indicated in a publication by Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, It is a very useful color to attract attention and redirect the gaze, Therefore, it is often used in brands that seek consumerism based on impulses, quick and ephemeral. An example of this is McDonald’s, which places its logo on a striking red background.

Yellow’s high visibility also makes it an emergency color. Reflective vests, for example, are bright yellow which, in addition to being visible from a great distance during the day and night, indicate that there is an emergency. Therefore, this tone invites you to stop and provide help.

The meaning of the color yellow, subtle but effective

Colors do not exist. They are an invention of our brain to help us recognize how far light rays travel. However, its effect on the mind, mood and decision making is undeniable.

Part of its power lies in the unconscious. We live with them since we are born and part of our survival depends on them (no one would eat a bright yellow frog, so it is normal to leave their influence to instinct.

Nevertheless, It is interesting to study how they affect us on a daily basis.because there will always be someone who consciously uses it to influence us.