Color vision is an important aspect of our perceptual experience. It allows us to navigate and interact with the world around us. Emotional distress, on the other hand, is a common human experience that can impact our overall wellbeing.

Recent research has found that there may be a link between emotional distress and our ability to perceive colors. This article will explore the research on how emotional distress impacts our color vision.

What is emotional distress?

Emotional distress refers to a range of negative emotions that can affect our mental and physical wellbeing. It can include feelings of anxiety, depression, anger, or hopelessness.

Emotional distress can be caused by a variety of factors including events in our personal lives, workplace stress, and traumatic experiences. When we experience emotional distress, it can affect our ability to function in daily life and impact our relationships with others.

How does emotional distress impact color vision?

Research has found that emotional distress can impact our ability to perceive colors.

One study found that individuals who were experiencing symptoms of depression had a harder time distinguishing between colors compared to those who were not experiencing depression. The study involved participants performing a color discrimination test while their brain activity was monitored.

The results showed that those experiencing depression had less brain activity in regions associated with color perception than those without depression (Adams et al., 2012).

Another study found that individuals who were experiencing stress had a harder time distinguishing between blue and green colors compared to those who were not experiencing stress.

The study involved participants performing a color discrimination test while their salivary cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, were measured. The results showed that those with higher cortisol levels had a harder time distinguishing between the colors (HajiTaheri et al., 2014).

These studies suggest that emotional distress can impact color vision by affecting the brain regions and hormones associated with color perception.

It is important to note that the studies focused on specific negative emotions and that the effects of emotional distress on color vision may vary depending on the type and severity of the emotion being experienced.

Can emotional distress affect color preference?

While emotional distress may impact our ability to perceive colors, it may also affect our color preference.

One study found that individuals experiencing depression preferred black, gray, and other achromatic colors compared to those who were not experiencing depression. The study involved participants rating their preference for different colors and also measured their levels of depression.

The results showed that those with higher levels of depression preferred achromatic colors over chromatic colors (Kaya & Epps, 2004).

Another study found that individuals experiencing stress preferred warm colors such as red and orange compared to those who were not experiencing stress.

The study involved participants performing a color preference test while their cortisol levels were measured. The results showed that those with higher cortisol levels preferred warm colors over cool colors (Oliver et al., 2010).

These studies suggest that emotional distress may impact our color preference by influencing the emotional associations we have with different colors.

For example, individuals experiencing depression may associate achromatic colors with feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while those experiencing stress may associate warm colors with feelings of comfort or relaxation.

How can we manage the impact of emotional distress on color vision?

If you are experiencing emotional distress and are concerned about its impact on your color vision, there are steps you can take to manage the effects. Here are a few strategies to consider:.

1. Seek professional help

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other negative emotions, it is important to seek professional help.

A mental health professional can work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, or other interventions to manage your symptoms.

2. Practice relaxation techniques

Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing. Incorporating these techniques into your daily routine may help alleviate the impact of emotional distress on your color vision.

3. Engage in enjoyable activities

Engaging in activities that you enjoy can help improve mood and reduce the impact of emotional distress. Consider trying a new hobby, spending time with friends, or participating in a recreational sport to boost your mood and improve overall wellbeing.

4. Get enough rest and exercise

Getting enough rest and exercise is important for overall wellbeing and may help reduce the impact of emotional distress on color vision. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night and incorporate regular aerobic exercise into your routine.

Conclusion

Color vision is an important aspect of our perceptual experience that can be impacted by emotional distress. Research has found that negative emotions such as depression and stress can affect our ability to perceive and prefer colors.

If you are experiencing emotional distress and are concerned about its impact on your color vision, it is important to seek professional help and consider lifestyle changes such as relaxation techniques, engaging in enjoyable activities, and getting enough rest and exercise.