Color Preference, Personality Traits and Psychosocial Functioning Among Students of Different Academic Disciplines
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The present study aimed to explore the correlation between color preferences, personality traits, and psychosocial functioning among students from different educational backgrounds, while also examining gender-based and academic discipline differences. A correlational research design was employed, using purposive sampling to select 395 students from public and private institutions in Pakistan. Participants completed the Luscher Color Test, Big Five Personality Inventory-10, and the TCU Psychosocial Functioning Scales as assessment measures. Pearson correlations and regression analyses were conducted to test hypotheses regarding associations between color preferences and psychological traits. Results revealed that warm colors (e.g., red, yellow) were significantly correlated with extraversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness, while dull colors (e.g., black, grey) showed strong associations with neuroticism and depression. Cool colors (e.g., blue, green) were linked to openness and decision-making, and violet was associated with hostility, depression, and childhood problems. Gender comparisons indicated that men significantly preferred violet more than women, while students in Business and IT disciplines favoured yellow and violet colors. The findings support the hypotheses and highlight the psychological relevance of color preferences in educational settings. The insights gained may inform design, pedagogy, and even therapeutic practices across gender and disciplinary lines.
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