Flowers are Happy Things
A team of researchers explored the link between flowers and life satisfaction. During a 10-month period they studied participants’ behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The study revealed that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.
The three key findings of the study are:
- 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.
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 flowers are a symbol for sharing.
As the research shows, flowers are a really simple way to improve emotional health. The presence of flowers triggers in us happy emotions, heightens our feelings of life satisfaction, and affects our social behavior in a positive manner far beyond what is normally believed.
