It may be more important to "stop and smell the roses" than we ever realized.
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 recent 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."
Forget the fountain
of youth, new scientific research proves flowers help senior citizens cope with the
challenges of aging. Click here to find out more.
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."
Try some flower therapy! Click here to find out
how.
Click here to find out about
the positive effects of flowers on MEN.
Background
The Emotional Impact of Flowers
Study was conducted by Jeannette M. Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology,
Project Director, Human Development Lab at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey.
Dr. Haviland-Jones is a psychologist and internationally recognized authority in the role
of emotional development in human behavior and nonverbal emotional signals and response.
The research adds a scientific
foundation to what many consider to be common knowledge - that flowers have a strong,
beneficial impact on those who receive them. The Society of American Florists worked in
cooperation with the Rutgers research team, bringing an expertise of flowers to the
project.
Click here for more details
on the research methodology.
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