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How Flowers Affect People's
Moods
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Science and Nature Unearth New Insights into
Emotional Health
Rutgers Behavioral Study Links Flowers and Life Satisfaction
With today's high-tech and fast-paced
lifestyle taking its daily toll on our lives, experts advise exercise and
other personal lifestyle changes to relieve stress. According to behavioral
research conducted at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, nature
provides us with a simple way to improve emotional health - flowers. The
presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of life
satisfaction and affects social behavior in a positive manner far beyond
what is normally believed.
"What's most exciting about this study is
that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can
manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way," said Jeannette
Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Rutgers and lead
researcher on the study.
Research Findings
A team of researchers explored the link
between flowers and life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants'
behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results show
that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.
Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants
expressed "true" or "excited" smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating
extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring
in all age groups.
Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically,
study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated
after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and
life satisfaction.
Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to
increased contact with family and friends.
"Common sense tells us that flowers make
us happy," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "Now, science shows that not only do
flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on
our emotional well being."
Sharing Space
The study also explored where in their
homes people display flowers. The arrangements were placed in areas of the
home that are open to visitors - such as foyers, living rooms and dining
rooms - suggesting that flowers are a symbol for sharing.
"Flowers bring about positive emotional
feelings in those who enter a room," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "They make the
space more welcoming and create a sharing atmosphere."
