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Science and Nature
Unearth New Insights into Emotional Health
Rutgers Behavioral Study Links Flowers and Life
Satisfaction
With
today's high-tech and fast-paced lifestyle taking its
daily toll on our lives, experts advise exercise and
other personal lifestyle changes to relieve stress.
According to behavioral research conducted at Rutgers,
The State University of New Jersey, nature provides us
with a simple way to improve emotional health - flowers.
The presence of flowers triggers happy emotions,
heightens feelings of life satisfaction and affects
social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is
normally believed.
"What's most exciting 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 Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D.,
Professor of Psychology at Rutgers and lead researcher
on the study.
Research
Findings
A team
of researchers explored the link between flowers and
life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants'
behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers.
The results show that flowers are a natural and
healthful moderator of moods.
Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness.
All study participants expressed "true" or "excited"
smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating
extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was
universal, occurring in all age groups.
Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods.
Specifically, study participants reported feeling less
depressed, anxious 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 family and
friends.
"Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy," said
Dr. Haviland-Jones. "Now, science shows that not only do
flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong
positive effects on our emotional well being."
Sharing
Space
The
study also explored where in their homes people display
flowers. The arrangements were placed in areas of the
home that are open to visitors - such as foyers, living
rooms and dining rooms - suggesting that flowers are a
symbol for sharing.
"Flowers bring about positive emotional feelings in
those who enter a room," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "They
make the space more welcoming and create a sharing
atmosphere."
Source: Society of American Florists
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