Color therapy and psychological well-being: A social science perspective on integrative health promotion

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the psychosocial significance of color therapy and to provide a theoretical foundation for its application in integrative health and well-being promotion. To achieve this, the study reviews the historical development of color therapy and explores the non-visual pathway and the mechanisms of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). The findings suggest that specific color wavelengths may influence the hypothalamus and autonomic nervous system through melanopsin activation, potentially contributing to emotional regulation, stress reduction, and psychological well-being. Furthermore, color therapy interventions that reflect the andragogical characteristics of adult learners may promote resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. As an integrated approach combining external image enhancement with internal emotional healing, color therapy has potential applications in wellness, leadership development, and preventive health promotion. This study provides foundational evidence for understanding color therapy as a psychosocial and integrative health intervention beyond its role as a complementary.