We’ve all been there… getting a school assignment or business project back from a superior with red pen all over it. It makes you feel bad, right?! Well, studies show that you’re not alone. Red pen really does have a psychological impact on people, and it tends to bring about feelings of anxiety or disappointment.
A study done by sociologists at the University of Colorado found that corrections written in red ink were more likely than corrections written in other colors to be perceived as “shouting” or “disciplining”. This is because red is a color known for evoking emotions. No wonder we all hate seeing the dreaded red pen!
If you’re looking for a color to have the opposite impact, try out a pen with blue ink. These have been found to enhance motivation and boost creativity!