Intensity of illumination increases intensity of emotions

An interesting study reported on Psyblog found that the intensity of illumination affects the intensity of our emotions. If you want to feel things more sharply and intensely turn on the lights. If you want to lower your emotional arousal turn the lights off.

We kind of intuitively know this any way, but it is validating to find out that studies confirm this casual observation.

To read the Psyblog report click here.

Editor's note:

Over my 45 year career I have never liked overhead florescent lighting in my consulting room. I've always brought in table and floor lamps to subdue the harshness of the overhead lighting. With depressed patients, or sleepy patients, or lethargic patients, I sometimes add the overhead lights if the patient doesn't find it irritating. Patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, benefit from the additional lighting and sitting under bright lights for 20 minutes or more a day is recommended as a treatment method.