Jail Cells Painted Pink to Calm Aggressive Inmates

Some of the toughest convicts in Switzerland aren’t feeling too tough lately. Thirty jail cells in Switzerland’s prison system have been painted pink in an effort to calm aggressive inmates. Referred to as the ” Cool Down Pink” project, psychologists are hopeful this traditionally feminine hue will have soothing effects on prisoner behavior. While the color is known to promote relaxation, its feminine characteristics also seem to promote humiliation in many male inmates.

The Power of Pink

Pink is a soothing color, according to psychologists. It is believed to help tranquilize feelings of anger and produce a calming effect on the nerves when exposed to it for a certain amount of time. Switzerland’s prison system uses this psychological effect to their advantage by confining aggressive inmates to a pink jail cell. While anger can subside in as little as fifteen minutes according to psychologist Daniela Spath, inmates are typically confined to the cell for two hours. Unsurprisingly, many of them aren’t too pleased with the treatment, claiming to be humiliated and comparing the new color scheme to a little girl’s bedroom.

Prisons aren’t the only organizations to use this tactic, however. Some police stations have pink-colored “drunk tanks,” or rooms specifically used to hold those arrested for public intoxication. According to a police spokeswoman, this pink hue helps quiet the intoxicated person and encourages them to fall asleep quicker.

The next time you’re feeling aggressive, lock yourself in a pink-colored room for two hours. Feel calmer?

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