Mindful Lighting: Exploring the visual and non-visual comfort of residential lighting to support the restorative space through environmental psychology and neurosensory perspectives.

Abstract

This research investigates the influence of lighting on emotional well-being and relaxation in home environments, addressing the increasing disconnect between modern lifestyles and natural circadian rhythms. The study explores how light intensity, and the directionality of light (direct/indirect) affect physiological and psychological responses. Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research combined physiological data from electroencephalography (EEG) with psychological data from self-report questionnaires (Affect Grid and Activation-Deactivation Adjective Check List - AD ACL) and semi-structured interviews. Twenty participants were exposed to four controlled lighting scenarios: Direct High intensity (DH), Direct Low intensity (DL), Indirect High intensity (IDH), and Indirect Low intensity (IDL). The findings indicate a notable divergence between physiological and psychological measures. EEG data, analyzed for arousal and valence, did not reveal statistically significant differences across the four lighting conditions. Conversely, subjective measures showed significant impacts. The AD ACL scores demonstrated that lighting conditions significantly influenced participants' feelings of calmness (p=0.0003) and energy (p=0.0001). Low-intensity lighting was associated with higher calmness and lower energy scores, while high-intensity scenarios correlated with increased energy. Affect Grid data and interview responses further indicated a strong preference for indirect, low-intensity lighting (IDL), which was consistently described as the most "cozy," "relaxing," and "pleasant," contributing to a restorative environment. Direct, high-intensity light (DH) was generally perceived negatively. In conclusion, while psychological responses strongly supported the hypothesis that low-intensity and indirect lighting enhance emotional well-being and create a restorative atmosphere, the corresponding physiological changes in EEG-measured arousal and valence were not statistically confirmed with the current methodology. The study underscores the significant impact of light intensity and direction on subjective emotional states and highlights the value of a mixed-methods approach in understanding the complex relationship between lighting, human perception, and well-being in residential settings.

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A master thesis from Aalborg University

Mindful Lighting: Exploring the visual and non-visual comfort of residential lighting to support the restorative space through environmental psychology and neurosensory perspectives.