Natural Green Color Makes Us Feel Good, Scientists Explain the Reason in New Theory [Study]

Natural green color is often perceived as a representation or manifestation of nature because it is seen around us, particularly in trees and other plants found in the tropics and subtropics. It has also been considered by many as the most common color of nature and even some amphibians and reptiles have this type of pigment. Above all, it has long been known that the color of green in nature makes us feel good, which has remained a mystery.

Now, a recent study by researchers in Japan has developed a new theory called the "greenery hypothesis" that potentially explains why the absence or presence of green affects humans, from an evolutionary perspective. The new research paper comes under the context of a growing body of empirical evidence that shows that people exposed to nature experience diverse psychological benefits, including improved mental health.

Green Makes Us Feel Good

The subject matter pertains to why the green pigment makes us feel good, rather than the color being a favorite based on subjective preferences by different individuals. While some people may not like the color green (either from nature or artificial), there is clear scientific evidence that it is not just out there for display on Earth. Instead, it also serves as a stimulus that can bring a person a sense of joy or inner peace.

According to the London Image Institute, the color psychology of green shows that its intensity is an easy color for the eyes to absorb and that some people choose lighter green as their preference. In addition, there is a pleasant effect of both colors on people's moods. However, data surrounding the general positive impact of green to people is not absolute, since there are some who may prefer a different color.

Greenery Hypothesis

In the new study mentioned earlier, researchers from Chiba University and The University of Tokyo in Japan used a psycho-evolutionary approach to why green makes us feel good. The research team proposed the greenery hypothesis, suggesting that humans are affected by the absence or presence of greenery since they have adapted to a series of severe drought. In this situation, they have associated a green landscape as a positive away from drought after re-watering the land.

Furthermore, the Japan team explained that the greenery hypothesis is open for other potential insights relating to understanding human psychological responses to nature. The hypothesis is also applicable to other related fields, including biodiversity conservation, urban planning, and restoration. The study was published in the journal British Ecological Society on February 26, where the authors also cited insights from previous research.

Aside from greenery, other colors are also present in nature, including animals, but some pigments are relatively rare, including blue. The latter color has been considered uncommon (as opposed to green) despite the oceans and the skies appearing to be blue. This angle was covered by Nature World News last month.