The effects of increased color rendering index on stress and depression

Abstract

Several studies [6,7,8] have found that sunlight has a stress-reducing effect on those who are exposed to it. An innovative new design of artificial lighting known as RaLight is proposed to reflect light with a color rendering index (CRI) nearly identical to natural sunlight. This study will examine the relationship between exposure to RaLight (as a substitute for sunlight) and levels of stress. RaLight is predicted to decrease levels of stress in test subjects. In a commercial call center setting, test subjects will consist of an estimated 50 employees both male and female with ages ranging from 18 to 30 years. The initial control condition will be the common indoor environment which exposes patients to standard fluorescent lighting. Replacing light fixtures with RaLight will then establish both the second phase of the experiment and the independent variable. Throughout each phase, questionnaires, modified from the peer reviewed Wakefield Self-Report Questionnaire, regarding the overall well-being of employees will be completed to assess potential deviations in stress and depression levels. Analysis of the results showed a significant correlation between increased CRI and stress and depression.