Color Preferences of High and Low Sensation Seekers

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Because color preference is one of the basic elements of artistic expression, it is hypothesized in this study that sensation seekers, especially high boredom avoiders and high experience seekers, would prefer to create more complex images in terms of using more than 1 color in the experimental session. The 2nd hypothesis was that high sensation seekers would prefer red (as "hot" colors are known to be arousing, stimulating, exciting and attractive, and at the same time irritating) to other colors in comparison with low sensation seekers. Each participant (30 males and 30 females) was asked to paint a human figure (the choice of colors was volitional). As hypothesized, the motivation to seek sensation (measured via Zuckerman's, 1994, sensation seeking questionnaire) was positively correlated with color preference.