The Relationship Between Residential Environment Color Perception and Mental Health Outcomes: A Cross-Sectional Study of Urban Communities

INTRODUCTION:The impact of urban residential environments on residents' mental health has attracted growing attention. As an important element of environmental perception, the psychological effects of color remain insufficiently studied systematically. This cross-sectional study aims to develop a systematic analysis of residential environment color and to establish design strategies and application methods for residential color. OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between urban residents' perception of residential environment color and their mental health outcomes (e.g., anxiety, depression, life satisfaction). METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was adopted. For the stratified cross-sectional investigation, three dimensions-architecture, landscape, and interior-were established as research domains. Through questionnaire surveys and a color perception scale, a sample of 800 urban community residents from 30 communities across China was investigated. SPSS was used to perform correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The perception of residential environment color at the architectural, landscape, and interior levels was significantly correlated with mental health indicators (p < 0.01). Different hues were directly or indirectly associated with positive and anxious emotions and exerted psychological effects on community residents. CONCLUSION: Color perception in the residential environment is an important factor influencing urban residents' mental health. It is recommended that the application of color psychology be incorporated into urban planning and interior design.