Baker-Miller Pink: The Surprising Story of Why This Shade Was Once Used to Calm Prisoners

What color comes to mind when you picture a prison cell? Drab gray? Cold, sterile white? For a brief period in the late 1970s and 80s, the answer for some institutions was a soft, bubblegum pink. It might sound like a bizarre interior design choice, but it was part of a fascinating experiment rooted in color psychology. This specific shade, known as Baker-Miller Pink, was believed to have a unique power: the ability to physically weaken and pacify even the most aggressive individuals. This blog post will explore the rise and fall of this colorful theory, delving into the science, the story, and the controversy behind why a specific shade of pink was once used to calm prisoners.

The Birth of a Calming Color

The story of Baker-Miller Pink begins in the late 1970s with Alexander Schauss, a researcher at the American Institute for Biosocial Research in Tacoma, Washington. Schauss was investigating the physiological effects of color on the human body, specifically on the endocrine system and muscle strength. Through extensive testing, he claimed to have found one particular shade of pink that had a profound tranquilizing effect.

His research suggested that staring at this color—officially designated P-618—for as little as 15 minutes could:

• Lower heart rate
• Reduce pulse and respiration rates
• Temporarily decrease physical strength

The effect was so pronounced, Schauss claimed, that it made aggressive or violent behavior significantly less likely. The theory was put to a real-world test at the U.S. Naval Correctional Facility in Seattle, Washington, under the supervision of Chief Warrant Officer Gene Baker and Captain Ron Miller. They agreed to paint a holding cell with the color, and the shade was subsequently named "Baker-Miller Pink" in their honor. The initial reports from the facility were remarkable, stating that there were no incidents of erratic or hostile behavior from new inmates during the first 15 minutes of intake.

The Science (or Pseudoscience?) Behind the Pink

Schauss's theory was based on the idea that color could directly influence the nervous and endocrine systems. He believed that the specific wavelength of Baker-Miller Pink suppressed strength-related hormones, leading to a temporary state of passivity. The concept quickly gained traction, as it offered a simple, non-invasive, and inexpensive tool for managing aggressive behavior.

Following the apparent success in Seattle, the idea spread. Other institutions, from county jails and juvenile detention centers to psychiatric hospitals, began painting cells and rooms pink. The trend even seeped into popular culture and sports. Famously, legendary college football coach Hayden Fry had the visiting team's locker room at the University of Iowa painted pink, believing it would give his team a physical advantage by weakening their opponents. This practice, known as the "Pink Locker Room," became a long-standing and controversial tradition.

The Color Fades: Scrutiny and Contradiction

Despite its initial popularity, the scientific foundation of Baker-Miller Pink began to crumble under scrutiny. The primary issue was that other researchers struggled to replicate Schauss's findings in controlled studies.

• Lack of Replication: A prominent study conducted in a Santa Clara County, California, jail found no significant difference in aggression levels between inmates held in a pink cell versus a standard-colored one.
• Methodological Concerns: Critics pointed out flaws in the original research, including the lack of proper control groups and the reliance on subjective tests like kinesiology (the "arm-pull-down" test), which is not considered a reliable scientific method.
• The "Rebound" Effect: Some later studies even suggested a potential backlash. While the color might have a brief calming or novel effect, there were anecdotal reports that prolonged exposure could actually increase agitation and aggression once the initial novelty wore off.

Today, the scientific community largely views the "Baker-Miller Pink effect" as a classic example of a phenomenon that gained popular acceptance without robust, verifiable evidence. The initial results were likely influenced by the novelty of the situation and the power of suggestion—the Hawthorne effect, where subjects modify their behavior simply because they are being observed—rather than a direct physiological response to the color itself.

A Lasting Legacy in Psychology

The story of Baker-Miller Pink serves as a compelling case study in the intersection of science, public policy, and our enduring fascination with simple solutions to complex human problems. While the idea of a "magic" color that can pacify aggression has been largely debunked, it highlights our innate understanding that our environment profoundly affects our mood and behavior. The tale of this unique shade of pink may have faded from practice, but it remains a colorful and cautionary chapter in the history of psychology, reminding us of the critical importance of rigorous scientific inquiry.