Abstract
One of the main functions of olfaction is to activate approach/avoidance behavior, toward or away
from people, foods, or other odor sources. These behaviors are partly automated and therefore
poorly accessible via introspection. Explicit tests need therefore be complemented by implicit tests
to provide additional insights into the underlying processes of these behaviors. Affective responses
to seven food odors plus one control nonodor were assessed in 28 female participants (18–
30 years) using explicit tests [pleasantness, intensity, and non-verbal emotional ratings (PrEmo)]
as well as implicit tests that reflect dynamic expressive emotional reactions (facial expressions) as
well as behavioral-preparation responses (autonomic nervous system responses: heart rate, skin
conductance, and skin temperature). Explicit tests showed significant differences in pleasantness
(P < 0.05), and all PrEmo emotions (P < 0.05) except shame. Explicit emotional responses were
summarized by valence (explaining 83% of the responses variance) and arousal (14%) as principal
components. Early implicit facial and ANS responses (after 1 s) seem to reflect the odors’ arousal,
whereas later ANS responses (after 3–4 s) reflected the odors’ valence. The results suggest that
explicit measures primarily reflect the odors’ valence, as result of from relatively long (conscious)
processing, which may be less relevant for odor acceptance in the real world where fast and
automated processes based on arousal may play a larger role.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 661-668 |
Journal | Chemical Senses |
Volume | 41 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2016 |
Keywords
- ANS responses
- Arousal
- Emotions
- Facial expressions
- Odors
- Valence