RESEARCH

Behavioral and Neurobiological Convergence of Odor, Mood and Emotion: A Review

This study shows that smells can significantly influence both our emotions and moods, often without us realizing it, by interacting with brain regions involved in emotional processing. The findings suggest that odors can modulate ongoing emotional or mood states, offering potential applications in medical and commercial fields to improve mental well-being.
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Summary

This research explores how smells can influence our emotions and moods. Emotions are immediate responses to events, like feeling happy or scared, while moods are longer-lasting states that can be influenced by a series of emotions. Smells can affect both emotions and moods, even if we’re not consciously aware of them. For example, a pleasant smell can make us feel more relaxed and positive, while an unpleasant smell can make us feel anxious or stressed. This happens because the brain areas that process smells are closely linked to those that handle emotions and moods.

The study looks at how these connections work in the brain and how they can be used in practical ways. It suggests that understanding how smells affect our emotions and moods could lead to new treatments for mental health issues or ways to improve our well-being. By using certain smells, we might be able to manage stress or improve our mood. This research combines insights from psychology and neuroscience to show how powerful smells can be in shaping our emotional experiences.

Link

Kontaris, I., East, B.S., & Wilson, D.A. (2020). Behavioral and neurobiological convergence of odor, mood and emotion: A review. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 14, 35.

 

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