As we move into winter and cooler temperatures, many people are happy to leave the summer heat behind and enjoy a cool and cozy winter wonderland. And then there's another group looking longingly at the sun and warm weather we've now left behind.
It's not news that people change in their seasonal preferences. What may be more surprising is that the subjective experience of the weather is what actually affects us emotionally, with objective conditions playing very little role.
A recent study published in BMC Psychology linked objective conditions to individuals' perceptions of their environment, how comfortable the temperature was, and how they felt.
It was expected that there might be a reasonably strong correlation between current weather conditions and people's emotional state. But it was a mistake!
The results showed a fairly weak relationship between actual weather and people's perceptions of temperature or comfort. Even on days when it was above 35 degrees Celsius, some people felt perfectly fine, and on days when it was 25 degrees and sunny, some people did not feel well and were even very cold!
More importantly, a relationship was seen between temperature distress and negative emotions, as people reported feeling unwell in hot weather, more tired, anxious and generally unhappy.
At some level, it is not surprising that worry should lead to more negative emotions. Embarrassment is not by definition a pleasant experience. What is most important and surprising to note is that these individual differences in perceived comfort and temperature are much larger and more important than the actual weather conditions themselves.
This opens up interesting questions about why people vary so much in their perceptions and comfort. There is much evidence that physiology plays a role: depending on your body composition, age, fitness, hormones, etc., you may thermoregulate better or be hotter/colder. But this is only part of the puzzle.
It actually seems like personality traits may play a role. Preliminary results from the laboratory and other research have identified that trait neuroticism appears to moderate the relationship between temperature concern and negative emotions. Ultimately, this is an area where very little is still known, but it is an exciting opportunity for additional scientific exploration.
It also means that if you disagree with your roommates or co-workers about setting the air conditioner this winter, you can take comfort in knowing that there is no "correct" temperature; it's all subjective anyway!
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