Structure of Visual Properties and Affective Appraisals in Clinics' Waiting Areas

- A Study using Canonical Correlation Analysis -

Abstract

This study aims to develop a valid environment evaluation scale in order to examine visual properties and affective appraisals separately to reveal relations between them. Based on Sue & Hanyu (2008), an environment evaluation scale was developed. The scale consists of 20 items evaluating visual property, 10 items evaluating affective appraisal items and an item asking how ideal a waiting area is for a participant. One-hundred and four university students were asked to evaluate 28 clinic waiting rooms' environment on this scale. A canonical correlation analysis revealed 7 significant relationships among the variables as follows: 1) all evaluative properties and most of visual properties, 2) atmosphere and easy to enter, 3) a confusion and arousal activity, 4) concrete objects and relax, 5) new and stressful, and 6) concrete objects and easy to enter, 7) facility-like, and uninterested.