Did you know your perception of others is influenced by their scent? In an experiment, subjects who were exposed to pleasant fragrances gave higher ratings to individuals than those who were subjected to unpleasant fragrances. So, it wouldn’t hurt for us to give ourselves a little spray of our favourite colognes every now and then.
Can the mere suggestion of an aroma affect us in the same way that our actual sensation of the aroma would?
Recent studies have shown that our expectations about an odour, rather than any direct effects as a result of our real exposure to an odour, may be responsible for our moods and its health benefits. For example, in one experiment subjects who were told that they were subjected to an unpleasant odour that they may or may not be able to smell reported mood changes associated with this suggested smell alone. Conversely, in this same study, subjects who were given the suggestion of a pleasant odour reported positive effects on their moods.
However, in studies where odourless sprays (placebos) were used, subjects responded to a lesser degree than those who were exposed to scented sprays. Thus, while the mere mention of a pleasant odour may give us a cheerful disposition, the actual smell has a greater impact on our moods and well-being. And although our olfactory sense may decrease with age, a pleasant smell has been shown to have positive effects on individuals of all ages.
Is one side of our brains more prone to a certain emotion than another?
Interestingly, scientific research has shown that our right and left nostrils do not respond in the same manner to positive and negative aromas. Researchers have discovered differences in olfactory cortical neurone activity in the right and left hemispheres of the brain. According to their studies, negative emotions are predominantly processed by the right hemisphere while positive ones are predominantly processed by the left hemisphere.
How does scent effect our perception of others?
Our perception of others may also be influenced by scent. In one experiment, subjects were asked to rate the appearances of individuals in a series of portraits. Subjects who were exposed to pleasant fragrances gave higher ratings to individuals than those who were subjected to unpleasant fragrances.
It is interesting to note, however, that fragrances had little bearing on ratings of individuals with outstanding features—whether beautiful or ugly. Exposure of fragrances during testing seemed to only have an impact on ratings where there was an ambiguity in one’s appearance. If an individual was average looking, a pleasant fragrance seemed to make him or her more attractive for the beholder.
It would seem, then, that unless we are an Nicole Kidman or George Clooney, it wouldn’t hurt for us to give ourselves a little spray of our favourite colognes every now and then . . .
Does the same hold true for our perception of the quality of things?
Research suggests that this is so. In another experiment, individuals were asked to rate the professionalism of various works of art. Not surprisingly, pleasant and unpleasant odours had a similar effect on subjects’ ratings.
Can we be manipulated to act in a certain way by fragrances alone?
Again, research suggests that our emotions—which to a large degree control our actions—can be manipulated in this manner. In a related experiment, a Las Vegas casino experienced a 45% increase in the amount of money used in their slot machines when their casino was odorized with a pleasant fragrance.
Harnessing the Power of Scent for Enhanced Well-being
The power of scent is an often underestimated tool in influencing our emotions and behaviors. With the ability to trigger memories, control cravings, and even ignite sexuality, our sense of smell plays a crucial role in our overall quality of life. By understanding and utilizing the right fragrances, we can potentially shift our mood and improve our well-being.
Unlocking the Secrets of Your Sense of Smell: Part 8
We may think our taste buds are the center of taste perception, but the human nose—not the tongue—is the main organ of taste as well as smell. While our taste buds help us to distinguish between substances that are sweet, sour, bitter and salty, our olfactory receptors distinguish all other “tastes.”
Unlocking the Secrets of Your Sense of Smell: Part 9
Researchers have only just begun to scratch the surface about how our sense of smell relates to our various moods. Studies show that eight major factors of mood—such as stress, depression, apathy, happiness, sensuality, relaxation and stimulation—can be affected by fragrances.
