Colour as an agent to manage depression, anxiety and stress levels of mobility impaired individuals in healthcare facilities: Insights from a Rehabilitation Centre at Ragama, Sri Lanka

Abstract

Individuals with physical disabilities, especially with impeded mobility have to deal with an array of physical, social, cultural and economic challenges, consequently leading to psychological imbalances, disorders and more inclined to attempt even suicide. Incorporating disabled-friendly design interventions, facilitating optimal healing in their healthcare facilities, is crucial to overcome most of these challenges and ensure their psychological well-being. Within this backdrop, this investigation focused on the impact of interior colours in health care facilities to manage depression, anxiety, and stress levels of disabled individuals. The investigation was executed with reference to wall colour of bedrooms of patients with limb deformities of a selected rehabilitation centre, at Ragama. Three hues (blue, yellow, and green) were tested by installing colour panels on the sidewall of the beds, allowing the patients to be exposed to each colour for three consecutive days. DASS-21 self-report scale was adopted to measure depression, anxiety, and stress levels of the patient. Green colour was found to be significantly supportive in inducing favourable impacts to manage depression, anxiety, and stress levels of patients over blue and yellow. Extending this study to test different tints, shades, and intensities of green colour, incorporating large samples with long-term exposure in an array of health care facilities, is recommended.

Impact of Colours in Classroom Interiors on Mental Health Undergraduates With Reference to Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Levels

“…The existing colour-related therapies attest to this association (Kim, 2010;Withrow, 2004). Green being a cool, pacifying colour was found to be managing depression, anxiety and stress levels of mobility impaired patients compared to blue and yellow (Hettiarachchi & Perera, 2022). Red being an arousing colour (Mahnke,1996) is found to cause the most anxiety in individuals while green and blue causes the least (Jacobs & Suess, 1975).…”

“…Colours are found to have a direct association with a person's mental well-being, feelings and emotions and psychiatric imbalances/disorders (Hettiarachchi & Perera, 2022). The existing colour-related therapies attest to this association (Kim, 2010;Withrow, 2004).…”

Influence of Color Therapy in Alleviating Academic Stress in High School Students

“…Colors can have a significant impact on our physical, emotional, and psychological wellbeing, and understanding their effects can help us manage stress more effectively. Colors have been identified to directly link with an individual's mental well-being, emotions, and the presence of emotional or psychiatric imbalances/disorders [15]. Blue is often associated with calmness and serenity [16].…”

“…13) Hesitate to ask teacher for detailed explanation. 14) Biased attitude of the teacher15) In adequate space or a room for study at home 16) Not knowing how to prepare for examinations. 17) Lack of assertiveness in the class.…”

Rehabilitation of Destitute Children and Role of Architecture: A Case Study of Chattogram, Bangladesh

“…Green space reduces depression (Cohen-Cline et al, 2015) together with resulting in several positive effects on individuals in terms of their physical, spiritual, and emotional health (Ulrich 1981;Ulrich et al 1991). An experiment conducted by researchers showed the color green to have the most influence in managing the anxiety levels of participants (Hettiarachchi & Perera, 2022). The presence of water on the other hand also has a positive impact on mental health (Miller et al, 2012;Nutsford et al, 2016).…”