Weather and Emotions: How Temperature Affects Mood

Study Notes

Cold temperatures:
- Associated with feelings of sadness, anxiety, and irritability
- Can lead to increased stress levels and decreased mood
Warm temperatures:
- Linked to feelings of happiness, relaxation, and comfort
- Can improve mood and reduce stress

Research suggests that a temperature range of 22-25°C (72-77°F) is optimal for mood
Temperatures outside of this range can negatively impact mood

Physiological responses:
- Temperature can influence bodily sensations, such as heart rate and blood pressure, which can affect mood
- Cold temperatures can stimulate the release of stress hormones, like cortisol, while warm temperatures can stimulate the release of feel-good hormones, like serotonin
Psychological associations:
- Cultural and personal associations with temperature can influence mood, e.g., warmth may be associated with comfort and relaxation, while cold may be associated with discomfort and anxiety

Personality traits:
- Some people may be more sensitive to temperature changes due to their personality traits, such as neuroticism or extraversion
- Individual differences in temperature preferences can also influence mood responses
Cultural background:
- Cultural background and climate can influence temperature preferences and mood responses, e.g., people from warmer climates may prefer warmer temperatures, while people from colder climates may prefer cooler temperatures