Odours, emotion and psychophysiology.
Synopsis The basis for the relationship between emotion and olfaction is reviewed and discussed from both the theoretical and experimental approach. Published studies include olfactory memory, human semiochemicals, and olfactory communication between humans. Evidence for the olfactory system being a special emotion sense has not been conclusive. One limitation has been the verbal paucity of subjects in describing smells. This has led to the development of psychophysiological techniques involving the use of subvert bioelectrical signals generated within the body. A number of techniques involving measurement of the electrical activity of the brain are discussed. These involve evoked olfactory potentials (OEP), contingent negative voltage (CNV) and brain electrical activity mapping (BEAM). These new techniques involving the electrical activity of the cortex are helping us to unravel the complexities of olfaction and emotion.
Toller
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Warwick Olfaction Research Group, Department of Psychology, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.