Proof Positive: Flowers Make People Happy

Looking for a post-holiday gift or token of thanks? Well, fear not, research now shows that flowers will make a hit, says Ron Smith, horticulturist with the North Dakota State University Extension Service.

About a year ago, the Society of American Florists (SAF) commissioned an expert on human emotion to research the impact receiving flowers has on human moods. While "everyone knows" that getting flowers makes people happy, there was no tangible evidence that receiving flowers could directly influence moods.

Here is what the research team found:

• Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness.
• Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Those receiving flowers reported feeling less stressed after receiving flowers and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
• Flowers led to increased intimate connections. Study participants increased their contact with family and friends after receiving flowers.
• Flowers are a symbol for sharing. Study participants placed their flowers in areas of the home that are open to visitors.

Researchers observed the facial response of recipients within a 5-second period after receiving the flowers: A "Polite Smile"; "True Smile" or "Excited Smile." Every recipient showed either the "True Smile" or "Excited Smile," a first for the research team conducting the study.

The flower gifts were compared to receiving a gourmet fruit basket or a scented pillar candle. The participants were 147 women balanced in age, educational level and career and lifestyle choice. All knew they were to receive a gift of some sort, but did not know what the gift would be, to allow the researchers to gain an honest reaction. Delivery methods and reaction measurements were all predetermined prior to initiating the research.

While all participants were happy to get a gift, it was only the receipt of flowers that had such a complete positive impact - both immediate and long-term.

"In essence, the delivery of flowers provided a real human need, a boost in happiness," Smith says.

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Source: Ron Smith, (701) 231-8161, ronsmith@ndsuext.nodak.edu 
Editor: Gary Moran, (701) 231-7865, gmoran@ndsuext.nodak.edu