Relationship between context-free/in-context spatial color preferences and color constructs: The extraversion personality trait dimension

Abstract

Personality traits are considered the primary determinants of emotional and behavioral patterns of individuals within the built environment, influencing the experience of architectural space over their cognitive representation. Specifically, the dimension of extraversion within an individual's personality holds considerable predictive value in determining their attitudes toward the environment. Consequently, this study aims to investigate the influence of personality traits on color preference by comparing preferences for context-free color samples and in-context spatial colors among individuals exhibiting varying levels of extraversion. It also aims to ascertain the most accurate color-construct scale for delineating individuals' preferences for in-context spatial color. The study employed the International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) representation of lexical factor markers for the Big-Five structure. For the study, 11 colors, referred to as basic color terms, were selected as stimuli. Data on color preference were obtained through a rank order test for 11 context-free color samples and 11 virtual images of in-context spatial colors, as well as ratings of in-context spatial colors based on 14 color-construct scales. Findings reveal the relationship between extraversion personality trait and color preferences, revealing distinct patterns between context-free and in-context color preferences. They also suggest the possibility of divergent preferences for in-context spatial colors among individuals with varying levels of extraversion, with certain colors eliciting significantly different ratings on color-construct scales. The study's findings shed light on the importance of personality traits in predicting the relationship between architectural spaces and colors, depending on individuals' personalities, particularly within design disciplines such as interior architecture.