THE INFLUENCE OF COLOR ON THE PSYCHO-EMOTIONAL STATE OF INDIVIDUALS ACROSS DIFFERENT AGE PERIODS

Abstract

The article explores the psycho-emotional impact of color on individuals at various stages of life, emphasizing the variability of emotional responses based on age. The primary objective of the study is to determine how individuals of different age groups perceive and emotionally respond to various color stimuli. The relevance of this topic is driven by the increasing role of visual environments in everyday life, which requires psychological understanding to optimize spaces for emotional comfort. The study is timely given the intensified sensory loads experienced by people in contemporary settings, as well as the rising demand for emotionally adaptive environments. The methodology integrates quantitative and qualitative tools to assess color perception in three age groups—children, young adults, and elderly individuals. Techniques include the Lüscher Color Test, the PANAS scale, and systematic observation of verbal and non-verbal responses to standardized color stimuli. The experimental design ensures consistent lighting, neutral backgrounds, and controlled exposure conditions. All sessions were conducted ethically, with informed consent and attention to emotional safety, especially for minors and elderly participants. The study’s findings reveal significant age-dependent patterns in color preferences and emotional responses. Children react impulsively to bright, warm colors, which often enhance positive affect and elicit vivid associations. Young adults show more balanced emotional reactions, engaging in symbolic interpretations and aesthetic reflection. Older individuals prefer calm, desaturated hues, linking them to personal memories, emotional stability, and life experience. Non-verbal responses also vary: expressive in children, restrained in youth, and contemplative in the elderly. These results underscore the evolving nature of color perception throughout ontogeny. The study provides insights for art therapy, gerontology, and sensory psychology, contributing to a more human-centered approach in space planning, mental health interventions, and emotional well-being strategies.