It has been proven that the presence of flowers trigger happy emotions and help with feelings of life satisfaction. It has also been proven to affect social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed. Nowadays people need as many ways as possible to release stress. Having flowers in the room is a healthy and natural way for people to release stress, rather than taking pills and supplements.

Researchers set up a 10-month experiment, which studies participants’ behavior and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results were positive; flowers do improve peoples’ moods. There were three findings in the research results. First, that flowers have a direct response to happiness. When participants received flowers, they expressed the emotions of true happiness and excitement. They also demonstrated extreme amusement and appreciation. This was a universal reaction, it occurred to all genders, ages, and race. Secondly, flowers end up having long-term effects on moods. The study shows that participants felt happier in general, while less anxious and agitated after receiving flowers. With flowers, participants felt a higher sense of confidence and pleasure. Think about it, who wouldn’t feel good after receiving flowers? Thirdly, flowers help people have stronger intimate connections. Flowers lead families and friends to having improved relationships.

If flowers make people happy, then does having flowers around the house cause for a happier family? According to this study, flower arrangements that were placed around people’s homes showed symbols of sharing and welcoming. Flowers bring positive emotions into rooms and to people.

In another study, which shows the research behind their findings, concluded the same results. In this study, about 150 women were recruited to participate in a study about “normal daily moods.” The women were asked questions about their mood and overall satisfaction with life. Then the women were all given a gift. One third was given flowers, one third was given a fruit basket, and the other was given a candle. When the women were given their gifts, 100% smiled when they got flowers, 90% smiled when they received fruit, and 77% smiled when they received candles. Three days later, they were asked the same questions about their mood and life satisfaction. The women who received flowers scored noticeably higher on the mood questionnaire than they did the first time.

Needless to say, who would not feel good and confident after receiving flowers? I know if I got flowers sent to me it would probably make not only my day, but my week! There are some things that need to be considered from this second experiment though. Why did they only test out women? Also, what age were the women they tested. Would they have gotten different results if they tested men in the same experiment? Also, did the type of flower have any effect on the results? These are all third variables that need to be considered.

I found a website that has different types of flowers and colors of flowers that evoke different emotions due to the different colors the floor arrangements contain.

I want to fill my dorm with flowers to feel happier. Heck, maybe I will send some to my parents, too.

http://scienceblogs.com/cognitivedaily/2008/04/17/flowers-really-do-make-you-hap/

http://aboutflowers.com/health-benefits-a-research/emotional-impact-of-flowers-study.html