Effects of colour and correlated colour temperature (CCT) on speaking anxiety in small spaces

Abstract

This study aims to investigate how colour and correlated colour temperature (CCT) impact speaking anxiety in small spaces. Existing literature has highlighted and emphasized the colour and CCT impact on anxiety and speaking anxiety. However, there has been a small number of analysis with the combination of colour and CCT impact on speaking anxiety. This research not only examines the impact of colour and CCT level in terms of speaking anxiety but also examines the combine effect of colour and CCT on speaking anxiety. The experimental study was employed involving 150 participants studying in the university. The experiment was conducted in Bilkent University lighting lab in Ankara, Türkiye. The participants completed a demographic questionnaire and two anxiety tests which are GAD-7 and STAI test before the experiment. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the five different conditions. In the experiment participants were asked to talk under one condition and after the experiment speaking anxiety was assessed with STAI test. Quantitative data were analysed using two-way and three-way ANOVA in JASP 0.18.3 with the test of normality and homogeneity checked. The findings indicate that both colour and CCT as well as an interaction impact speaking anxiety. Turquoise colour and 4000 K give a calming impact whereas purple with 6500 K trigger speaking anxiety. The results of this study highlighted the importance of colour and lighting design and this may help to reduce speaking anxiety.