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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."
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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