The Effect of Light on Wellbeing: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Research on light's impact often focuses on illness, overshadowing studies on wellbeing.
• A systematic review was conducted to consolidate findings on light and wellbeing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of studies investigating the effect of light on wellbeing.
• To summarize the reported effects of light on wellbeing, happiness, and life satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was performed in PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science.
• 74 studies assessing wellbeing, happiness, life satisfaction, positive affect, or quality of life were included.
• A meta-analysis of 30 studies was conducted, including risk of bias assessment.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis revealed a pooled effect size of 0.46, indicating a small-to-moderate positive effect of light on wellbeing.
• Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of the effect, with a pooled effect size of 0.53 after removing outliers and high-risk bias studies.
• Potential biases include small sample sizes, design limitations, and publication bias.

Conclusions:

• Light exposure demonstrates a positive association with wellbeing.
• Future research should focus on larger sample sizes and detailed reporting of light parameters and statistical outcomes.
• Robust evidence supports the positive influence of light on psychological wellbeing.