“ The psychological effect of color on the suppression of human aggression” by Alexander Schauss
Dr. Alexander has over 191 publications and a PhD in Natural and Medicinal research.
“ The psychological effect of color on the suppression of human aggression” by Alexander Schauss illustrates the effects of Baker-miller pink on aggression and how it can be used in certain settings to decrease violent behavior and negative emotion in individuals. The color was tested in multiple settings with a range of subjects and its effects were recorded. These setting included jail holding cells and a youth correctional facility. The effects were also tested on the normal functioning individual, individuals with behavioral disorders, blind individuals, and individuals suffering from schizophrenia. It was discovered that individuals placed into rooms painted this color began to calm from their aggressive state. They acted less violence, used less offensive language, and would decrease any self-mutilative behavior. Because these studies could not declare the pink a cause of this sedated behavior, a trial that was more controlled and less observational was implemented. 72 right-handed men were brought in to be tested. The men viewed a controlled panel in a shade of blue and the experimental panel in the baker-miller shade of pink. After viewing each panel their strength was tested. This was repeated with 60 men. In both cases, the men performed lower on their strength test after viewing the pink tile versus the blue. While studies are still ongoing, the pink appeared to have a sedative effect when viewed.
Schauss, Alexander. (1985). The Physiological Effect of Color on the Suppression of Human Aggression: Research on Baker-Miller Pink. International Journal of Biosocial Research. 7. 55-64.
