Studies have also shown thatcertain colors have an impact on performance. Exposing students tothe color red priorto an exam has been shown to have a negativeimpact on test performance. More recently, researchers discoveredthat the color red causes people to reactwith greater speed and force, something thatmight prove useful during athletic activities.

While concepts of color can besubjective, researchers throughout history were still drawn to thestudy of colors, since there still are some color effects withuniversal meanings. They serve as the foundation of modern-dayresearch on color psychology. Besides, ancient cultures such as theEgyptians and Chinese even practiced chromotherapy. That is, usingcolors to heal. In this treatment:

Yellow was thought tostimulate the nerves and purify the body.

Orange was used to healthe lungs and to increase energy levels.

Blue was believed tosoothe illnesses and treat pain.

Indigo shades werethought to relieve skin problems.

Some psychologists are skepticalabout color therapy and point out that the supposed effects of colorhave been exaggerated. Also, colors have different meanings indifferent cultures. For example, while the color white is used inmany Western countries to represent purity and innocence, it is seenas a symbol of mourning in many Eastern countries. Moreover, researchhas demonstrated in many cases that the mood-changing effects ofcolor may only be temporary. A blue room may cause feelings of calmat first, but the effect disappears after a short period of time.