Flowers and Moods

The positive impact of flowers on people's moods

A recent study in the UK shows how flowers bring about positive changes in people's moods

With today's fast-paced lifestyle taking its toll on our lives daily, experts advise exercise and other personal lifestyle changes in order to relieve stress. According to behavioural research conducted at Strathclyde University in Scotland, nature provides us with a simple way to improve our emotional health and that is flowers. The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions, heightens feelings of satisfaction and affects people's behaviour in much more positive ways than has been previously believed.

"The most exciting thing 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 Dr David Purdie, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology at Strathclyde University and lead researcher in the study.

Research Findings
A team of researchers looked at the link between flowers and life satisfaction in a 9-month study of participants' behavioural and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results clearly show that flowers are a natural and healthy moderator of moods.

* Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All participants in the study expressed "true" or "excited" smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal and occurred in all age groups.

* Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically, participants in the study reported feeling less depressed 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 friends and family.


"Our common sense tells us that flowers make us feel happy," said Dr. Purdie. "Now, science has shown us that flowers not only make us happy but also have strong positive effects on our emotional well- being."

Sharing Space
The study also explored where people display flowers in their homes. The arrangements were placed in areas of the home that are open to visitors - such as hallways, sitting rooms and dining rooms - suggesting that flowers are a symbol of sharing.
"Flowers bring about positive emotional feelings in those who enter a room," said Dr. Purdie. "They make the space more welcoming and create an atmosphere of sharing.