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.
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.
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.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Luke Vorstermans is the founder of The Sense of Smell Lab, a world leader in the development of innovative products that use our sense of smell to influence behavior, trigger memories, manage cravings, enhance moods and improve sexual health. To learn more about enhancing your sex drive with Scentuelle patch go to http://www.scentuellepatch.com
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
Luke Vorstermans is the founder of The Sense of Smell Lab, a world leader in the development of innovative products that use our sense of smell to influence behavior, trigger memories, manage cravings, enhance moods and improve sexual health. To learn more about enhancing your sex drive with Scentuelle patch go to http://www.scentuellepatch.com
Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com
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