The Surprising Psychology of Flowers

Flowers have been used for generations to convey a wide variety of emotions. From simple gestures of friendship to declarations of love, flowers can express a multitude of positive emotions. They can also be used to offer sympathy during even the darkest emotional times. Flowers are routinely used as funeral displays.

Flowers earn part of their versatility thanks to the many different varieties and species of flowers available to us. From the purity of white to the fiery intentions of deep red roses, flowers have been able to say more than words for thousands of years.

The psychology of flowers goes even deeper and, thanks to a Rutgers University study, we now have scientific proof about the real power of flowers.

Scientifically Proven Flower Power

Scientists at Rutgers University set out to study the significance of flowers as a gift as part of a 2005 study. The research team spent 10 months studying the behavioral and emotional responses of participants as they received flowers. Their results proved a number of long held beliefs about flowers are scientifically accurate. Some of their findings included:

• Immediate Impact - all of the participants were recorded as having genuine smiles when they received their flowers. This reaction did not vary and remained constant for every participant, regardless of their age or nationality.

• The Gift that Keeps on Giving - Participants of the Rutgers study reported that they remained less anxious, depressed or agitated throughout the day when they received their floral gift.

• Making Connections - Participants also reported that simply by having the flowers, they had an increase in contact with family and friends. Regular social and personal contact with family and friends is another leading contributing factor to both immediate and long term happiness

Spreading the Joy

One of the more surprising findings of the study was the impact beyond the participants themselves. Flowers were able to increase overall social contact between people. Flowers made the entire space they were in seem more welcoming and inviting, thus encouraging more social interaction. This knock on effect also meant that the moods of those around the recipient were elevated throughout the day.

This comes as no surprise to the over 65,000 floral designers working in the United States. According to the US Bureau of Economic Analysis the floral industry generated $32.1 billion in sales during 2011, up nearly $2 billion from the 2010 figures. The attraction of flowers has always been powerful; sending and receiving flowers remains just as powerful as it ever was.

Flowers have always been a powerful force in human emotion and psychology. Even in the times of the ancient Romans and Greeks, brightly colored and white carnations were used along with other flowers to create garlands. Since then, flowers have remained a powerful symbol for love and emotions all over the world.

Scientific research has now confirmed this long held human belief and has, in its way, confirmed the existence of true Flower Power.

Kelly McCloskey is a freelance article writer who enjoys working on a wide variety of topics. She has a keen interest in floral designs and home décor.