Benefits of Flowers

You would be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't like flowers! There are so many shapes, colours and textures available that there is something to please everyone.

But now science has proven that flowers actually have a positive physiological impact on people, increasing levels of happiness, sense of wellbeing and helping to strengthen relationships.

In a study of over 400 people (as reported in the Journal of Evolutionary Psychology, 2005:3 104-113) various scenarios were carried out and the presence of flowers measured against both other items and nothing. An overview of the results is shown below. To read the whole report, go to http://human-nature.com/ep/articles/ep03104132.html

The Gift that Keeps on Giving
In Study 1 (n=147 women), flowers (a bouquet of roses, lillies and stock), upon presentation to women, always elicited the Duchenne or true smile. The response was significantly greater than any of the other stimuli tested, including fruit and sweet baskets and a large, multi-wicked burning candle. It is interesting to note that the women who recieved the flowers were more likely to put them in communal areas within their home. Perhaps the most significant finding in this study was that women who received the flowers reported more positive moods 3 days later. None of the other stimuli had this affect. This means that giving flowers to someone will not only elicit a significantly positive response immediately, positive benefits are still felt 3 days later.

Both Men and Women love to recieve flowers
In Study 2 (n=122, both men and women) entered an elevator and either saw an arrangement of flowers, were given a free Gerbera flower, were given a free pen, or nothing (control). Giving the Gerbera flower had the most significantly positive response in both men and women - causing them to smile more, stand closer to the undercover experimenter and making them more likely to initiate conversation . In fact, people who were not part of the experiment were asking for free flowers too, once word got out that Gerberas were being handed out.

Flowers increased happiness and episodic memory in Elderly people
In Study 3 (n=91, average age 73 years) People who had recieved flowers reported significantly more happiness and interest than those who didn't recieve flowers. It appeared that the benefit was additive, with happiness increasing for those who received a second bunch of flowers. In addition, flower receivers reported an increase in episodic memory and were less likely to feel depressed.

A note from the researchers: "In many years of studying emotions, we have never received hugs and kisses, thank you notes or photographs, not even for sweets, doughnuts, decorated shirts or hats, gift certificates, or direct monetary payment; the flowers are different"

Why do flowers have this effect?
There are a number of theories as to why flowers are able to have such a powerful impact on the emotions of humans. Some thoughts include chemistry of the pollens, combination of sensory elements (colours, shapes, smells), or association with the presence of food of happy events.

Whatever the reason, flowers are definitely potent elicitors of positive mood - and in the fast paced & often stressful world of today - lets not ask questions, but enjoy the benefits!