Life Satisfaction

Rutgars University Behavioral Study Links Flower and LifeSatisfaction
With today's fast-paced lifestyle taking its 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 USA, nature provides us with a simple way to improve our 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 Jeanette 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 flowers. The results show that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.

1. Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed "true" or .'excited" smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. The reaction was universal in all age groups.

2. 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.

3. Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers in the home and office led to increased contact with family and friends.

4. Sharing space. The study also explored where in their homes and work environments people display flowers. The arrangements were placed in areas that are open to visitors- such as foyers, offices, living rooms and dinning areas- 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." Dr Haviland-Jones went on to say `Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy. Now, science, shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being."