WOMEN IN RED SEEN AS A SEXUAL THREAT TO OTHER WOMEN

WOMEN IN RED SEEN AS A SEXUAL THREAT TO OTHER WOMEN

From the FMS Global News Desk of Jeanne Hambleton

Posted  by Biospace.com  July 14 2014 – University of Rochester Study

A groundbreaking study by two University of Rochester psychologists to be published online Oct. 28 by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology adds color—literally and figuratively—to the age-old question of what attracts men to women.

Through five psychological experiments, Andrew Elliot, professor of psychology, and Daniela Niesta, post-doctoral researcher, demonstrate that the color red makes men feel more amorous toward women. And men are unaware of the role the color plays in their attraction.

The research provides the first empirical support for society’s enduring love affair with red. From the red ochre used in ancient rituals to today’s red-light districts and red hearts on Valentine’s Day, the rosy hue has been tied to carnal passions and romantic love across cultures and millennia. But this study, said Elliot, is the only work to scientifically document the effects of color on behavior in the context of relationships.

“It’s only recently that psychologists and researchers in other disciplines have been looking closely and systematically at the relationship between color and behavior. Much is known about color physics and color physiology, but very little about color psychology,” said Elliot. “It’s fascinating to find that something as ubiquitous as color can be having an effect on our behavior without our awareness.”

Although this aphrodisiacal effect of red may be a product of societal conditioning alone, the authors argue that men’s response to red more likely stems from deeper biological roots. Research has shown that nonhuman male primates are particularly attracted to females displaying red. Female baboons and chimpanzees, for example, redden conspicuously when nearing ovulation, sending a clear sexual signal designed to attract males.

“Our research demonstrates a parallel in the way that human and nonhuman male primates respond to red,” concluded the authors. “In doing so, our findings confirm what many women have long suspected and claimed – that men act like animals in the sexual realm. As much as men might like to think that they respond to women in a thoughtful, sophisticated manner, it appears that at least to some degree, their preferences and predilections are, in a word, primitive.”

To quantify the red effect, the study looked at men’s responses to photographs of women under a variety of color presentations. In one experiment, test subjects looked at a woman’s photo framed by a border of either red or white and answered a series of questions, such as: “How pretty do you think this person is?” Other experiments contrasted red with gray, green, or blue.

When using chromatic colors like green and blue, the colors were precisely equated in saturation and brightness levels, explained Niesta. “That way the test results could not be attributed to differences other than hue.”

In the final study, the shirt of the woman in the photograph, instead of the background, was digitally colored red or blue. In this experiment, men were queried not only about their attraction to the woman, but their intentions regarding dating. One question asked: “Imagine that you are going on a date with this person and have $100 in your wallet. How much money would you be willing to spend on your date?”

Under all of the conditions, the women shown framed by or wearing red were rated significantly more attractive and sexually desirable by men than the exact same women shown with other colors. When wearing red, the woman was also more likely to score an invitation to the prom and to be treated to a more expensive outing.

The red effect extends only to males and only to perceptions of attractiveness. Red did not increase attractiveness ratings for females rating other females and red did not change how men rated the women in the photographs in terms of likability, intelligence or kindness.

Although red enhances positive feelings in this study, earlier research suggests the meaning of a color depends on its context. For example, Elliot and others have shown that seeing red in competition situations, such as written examinations or sporting events, leads to worse performance.

The current findings have clear implications for the dating game, the fashion industry, product design and marketing.

My comments

Unwittingly I have bought red clothes not realising I was flaunting a  power colour. ..but I have never been backward in coming forward.

In paticular I can remember buying a  smart woollen red blazer with brass button. On reflection  I am especially fond a lovely ballard called LADY IN RED. I was always well   received  wearing red, by men reporters when  was working for the newspapers.   I wore the  blazer over a black top and trousers.

Having put on a bit  weight  and now I  do not  wish to appear to be  man hunting, I   still wear  black  but with red accessories.. At the fibromyalgia conference the volunteers wore red  shirts and some chose soft red fleeces. I still have some left that were sold  to  support  fibromyalgia research. I had no idea it was  such an important colour choice.

I have noticed  most Spanish  lady dancers wear red. I am especially fond a lovely ballard called LADY IN RED.

According to the Daily Telegraph science columns women wear red that sends signals that attract men. You can see red with rage. Lots of front doors are painted red.

LiveSciencecom claim red is often a sign of power and passion. Sensationalcolour.com  say  around the world red represents the Chinese New Year which is celebrated by wearing red clothes.  For years women wore red nail varnish – now it is sparkling and all colours

Some believe wearing red boosts your confidence and a choice of colour should be carefully considered when going for a job interview. Various colours  send different messages  and apparently each colour represents different things. There are colour therapists who advise on the best colour you should wear.

For your consideration http://www.womenshealthmag.com/style/how-to-wear-red believes  red is a power colour which means wearing red can change your life. This site clams red fashion is bold and daring. Just wearing this fiery red can affect everything from how people perceive you to how you perform at work.

It seems red has gone nationwide and ‘across the pond’  as the  Washington Post, New York Post, WABC TV, an MedicalScience Today  and others have all written about  LADIES IN RED . Even a  thief  was seen disappearing from the scene of the crime and he was wearing red. Fire engines are red and they are pretty powerful and remind you of fire.

So it is OFFICIAL RED MUST BE THE IN  NEW FASHION COLOUR. Why not start slowly with red nails, red lipsick and a brilliant red scarf until you find something special in red to buy.  Then wear it and feel special. If you have got IT girls, flaunt IT.  Be bold and why not be a wee bit threatening?  Let us have a bit of ceremony and courage and you will, without doubt be noticed and maybe get your man. Fly the flag albeit red,  for all  womanhood. If you are wearing enough red you have no need to blush red  about  the nice things folks will say to you. Love to hear from you with stories  about your new power red clothes.

I know suntan looks great with red but do remember  we should be expecting  a heatwave.  Remember your sun cream  and do not forget the  dangers of skin cancer.  You  will look good in red no matter what colour your skin is.

Back soon. Going to find something red to wear tomorrow.  If all else fails I will wear a Folly Pogs red shirt… just to give me a bit of power.  Take care Jeanne