Assessing Beliefs about Lighting Effects on Health, Performance, Mood, and Social Behavior

Abstract

Energy conservation through the adoption of new, energy-efficient technologies will succeed only to the extent that the new technologies are not themselves perceived as risk sources. Previous research has found that beliefs about the health effects of fluorescent lighting predict compact fluorescent lamp use in homes. This paper describes the development and validation of a questionnaire to assess beliefs about the effects of common types of interior lighting on human health, work performance, mood, and social behavior. Principal components analysis of the 32-item Lighting Beliefs Questionnaire revealed 6 interpretable components: Lighting Importance, Brightness, Major Health Effects: Fluorescent Lighting, Minor Health Effects: Fluorescent Lighting, Social Setting, and Daylighting. The questionnaire may be used to explore responses to interior lighting and to discover what beliefs are held by end users. This information will assist in allaying unwarranted fears and concerns about new lighting technologies.