THE IMPACT OF CHROMATIC VARIATIONS IN VISUAL ART ON HUMAN MOOD AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION

Visual art has long been recognized for its aesthetic value, yet its functional role in modulating psychological states through color remains a critical area of study. This research explores the relationship between chromatic variations specifically hue, saturation, and brightness and their subsequent impact on human affect and emotional stability.Methodology: The study employed an experimental design involving a sample of 100 university students. Participants were exposed to a curated series of visual artworks categorized by dominant color temperatures (warm vs. cool) and saturation levels. Data were collected using the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) and self-report Likert scales to measure immediate shifts in mood and the capacity for emotional regulation following exposure.Results: Preliminary findings indicate that high-saturation warm colors (reds and oranges) significantly correlate with increased physiological arousal and energetic mood states, whereas low-saturation cool colors (blues and greens) facilitate emotional cooling and stress reduction. The data suggest that chromatic variations serve as a non-conscious trigger for the autonomic nervous system, influencing how students regulate academic-related anxiety.Conclusion: The study concludes that deliberate chromatic choices in visual media are potent tools for emotional regulation. These findings have significant implications for the fields of Art Therapy, interior design in educational institutions, and clinical psychology, suggesting that "chromatic environments" can be engineered to improve the mental well-being of the student population.