Various complicated ideas, like color symbolism, have formerly come from a more straightforward concept. There are instances wherein these experts will focus on the person’s response and stimulus association rather than looking at its association with the ideas.
It is known as conditioning theories. An excellent example of this is children will associate a yellow kitchen to the unconditional love of a mother.
This concept can also help us determine if color preference predicts extroversion.
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How Does Color Preference Predict Extroversion?
The color research appears to support the difference in the psychological response of the person in warm colors and cool colors.
Warm colors are known for being much active and exciting, while the cool colors are considered more tranquil.
Warm colors are objectively concerned and ex-centric, while cool colors are concentric and passive.
The psychological association of cool colors make them more similar to introverts, while warm colors are for extroverts.
Scientific Research and Studies About Color Preference and Personality Structure
In this section, we will try to understand more the relation of the person’s color preference to their personality structure. It will help us comprehend more if color can indeed predict extroversion and introversion.
The Goldstein Experiment
According to the result, warm colors such as yellow and red can create an expansive effect. It implies that the impact of the environment or the external world has been increased dramatically. Cool colors, on the other hand, has the opposite effect.
Theory of Color by Jaensch
In this concept, people were categorized according to general predominance. People who are inclined towards warmer colors show the personality of being outwardly integrated.
It means that they have a closer connection with their surroundings. People who are attracted to cool colors are inwardly integrated. They do not respond well to external stimulus.
Robinson Study
Robinson performed the EPI (Eysenck Personality Inventory) to around 40 participants to obtain a score of extraversions. During the said study, participants were exposed to about 28 colors with different shades and hues.
People who have an introverted response preferred the cooler colors while the extroverted ones choose the warmer tones.
Cortical Arousal
Various neuroscience experiments and studies suggest that there is a noticeable difference in the extroverts’ and introverts’ cortical arousal.
The cortical arousal pertains to the amount of information coming from the sensory inputs that the brain can process at a particular time. It indicates how we respond to external stimulation, such as patterns, environments, colors, and light intensity.
This research shows that extroverted individuals have a lower level of cortical arousal while the introverts have increased cortical arousal.
The level of stimulation can have a direct impact on a person’s energy level, concentration, and mood.
Extroverts will need higher stimulus from their surroundings to maintain their level of energy or activity. On the contrary, the amount of stimulus that they receive may be overwhelming for the introverts.
An introvert, when exposed to certain environment, can immediately deplete his energy. Therefore, as much as possible, they will try to avoid crowded areas and busy places. They also tend to stay away from bright colors.
Color Preference for Introverts and Extroverts
Introverts, as mentioned above, prefer to stay in small groups and they can recharge their energy when alone in their environment.
According to the experts, due to their different personality structure, the way they design their house will also be diverse.
You will particularly notice this difference in terms of their color choices. Color experts and psychologists have extensively studied the influence of colors on the way our brain works.
Being exposed to some colors can lead to different psychological responses, such as keeping us calm or increasing our blood pressure.
Whether you fall within the spectrum of introversion or extroversion, you will be attracted to some colors.
Introverts
Carl Jung, the psychologist who introduced the concept of extroversion and introversion, defined these personality structures into energy.
Too much stimulation will make the introverted feel drained, while social gatherings and parties can invigorate the extroverts.
Colors are also considered as stimuli. Cooler colors are found in the subtle part of the color spectrum. If the introverts stick to that part of the color wheel, you can develop a home that will be conducive to the need of the introverts.
They will feel more balanced and calmer. The best colors for the introverts are Gray Frost, Lost at Sea, and Light Sage.
These are combinations of green and blue that create a soothing and calming palette, that gives a relaxing effect. Try to use these colors in your personal spaces.
Extroverts
Compared to the introverts, the extroverts can ideally exist in an environment with a high level of stimulus. On the contrary, they will feel anxious and bored when alone.
It would be wise for the extroverts to surround themselves with hues and shades that will create a bright space.
It will relieve their anxieties and fill them with energy. Extroverts are continually searching for things that can stimulate them. Their need for additional stimulation will not stop even if they are at home.
Shades of oranges, yellow, and red would be the perfect color for them. It provides them with a burst of energy that will match their personality.
Paint your accent wall with Lotus Flower (a pale and pure white with lemon undertone). Bordeaux and Nutmeg will also be a perfect alternative.
Introverts Who Love Colors
According to Carl Jung, there is absolutely no pure extrovert or a pure introvert. If there is, then he/she would be admitted in a mental asylum.
That is why they call it a personality structure spectrum. While you consider yourself as an introvert and you prefer to spend your time on your own, there is also a part of you that is seeking things that will stimulate you.
There are instances when extroverts and introverts will step out of their comfort zone and choose a unique color. However, they will do this in a manner that will not compromise the harmony inside their house.
Introverts who love colors will start with an accent color such as canary Yellow, Caramelized Orange, and Cerise and complement it with a neutral shade.
Extroverts Who Love Blues
Shades such as green and blue will often be associated with tranquility and nature. However, some extroverts will be attracted to these colors. They can use these colors when designing their homes.
They will choose a more relaxed and neutral scheme, but they will combine it with bolder and brighter colors. Holly Leaf, Superstition, and Quiet Night are the best choices for these people.
Considering the above information, it is not surprising why most extroverts will choose bright and warm colors like yellow, red, and orange. These people are seeking external stimulation that warm colors can provide. Consequently, it will not just be the color.
They also need to consider the intensity of it. While blue and green would have a calming effect, it also comes with higher intensity and brighter variation; introverts may find these colors overwhelming.
Understanding the Personalities of Extrovert and Introvert
Introverts are known for being thoughtful individuals. They are usually private and reflective. Extroverts, on the other hand, are ready to take risks.
They can be adaptive, gregarious, happy, and assertive. Extroversion and introversion are very complex.
The personality structure is multi-faceted; there are instances when they will exhibit personalities of both spectrum and other times that they can fall under the extreme versions.
Introverts
Introverts are only sociable to those people that they know. They will learn by observing things around them. They tend to think things through before acting.
If they feel like they have a low supply of energy, the serenity and being alone will recharge them.
They will be satisfied with having a one-on-one conversation. Also, they do not talk too much; they prefer listening.
When faced with a situation, they will choose to contemplate and reflect before even making any decision. They are self-aware and reflective.
Extroverts
These people love the idea of being the center of attention. They are excellent communicators, expressive and gregarious.
However, they can also be distracted easily. They prefer to take action and can haphazardly make their decisions. They can also refresh their energy through socialization.
Let us just remind you that people will not always fall on only three types; Normal, Extroverts, or Introverts.
Instead, these personality structures can be expressed through a variety of degrees. Therefore, this makes the studies about this subject even more challenging.
Conclusion
The research and studies aforementioned are clear pieces of evidence that there is a relation between human’s personality structure such as extroversion, and color preference.
Extroverts can use colors to attract other people that will make them feel empowered. Being influenced by specific colors will make them more attuned with their socialization skills.
Color preference predicts extroversion, but it is not absolute. Apart from the personality traits of individuals, the state of mind and current circumstances may influence their choice of colors.
Thank you for taking the time to read this article !