THE PSYCHOLOGY OF ODOUR: HOW SMELL AFFECTS OUR EMOTIONS

Psychology of Odour - the smell of cookies can trigger powerful memories

We are nearing “Blue Monday”, supposedly the most depressing day of the year. So, we have put together an interesting article, in case you need help overcoming your own January Blues. Today’s blog discusses the psychology of odour. We look at the remarkable ability smells can have to influence our mood and behaviour.

IS ODOUR LINKED TO PSYCHOLOGY?

Scientists have long explored the connection between smells and emotions. They use techniques like fMRI brain scans to see which areas of the brain respond to certain smells. Different areas light up when reacting to pleasant and unpleasant odours. They expose participants to different scents and observe their emotional responses.

We can all think of an example of a smell triggering a memory or emotional response. Take the smell of crayons, for example. It might take you back to childhood crafting activities, making you feel nostalgic.

PROUSTIAN MEMORY

A 20th-century novelist, Marcel Proust, noticed the association between memory and our senses. He wrote about how a cookie dipped in tea brought back a flood of memories. He used the term ‘involuntary memory’. It summarises how a simple smell, taste or sound can trigger memories. As a result, we now refer to the Proust effect to describe memories triggered by senses. You may also see this referred to as a Proustian moment. Despite having no scientific training, Proust was perhaps the first to consider the psychology of odour.

The Proust Effect is the term used to describe involuntary memory triggered by smell. Proust was one of the first people to explore the psychology of odour.

UNDERSTANDING THE OLFACTORY SYSTEM

So why do some smells have such a powerful effect on our emotions? To answer this, we need to understand how the olfactory system works. Your nose has tiny smell receptors that catch molecules floating around. When you sniff something, these receptors send signals to your brain’s olfactory bulb. It then decodes these signals into familiar smells. Next, the amygdala and hippocampus parts of the brain get involved. They give the odours meaning and connect them to memories and emotions. This means that each scent triggers a unique response.

Our ancestors relied on this ability for survival. They literally sniffed out food and danger. So, when you catch a whiff of something pungent, treat it like a joint science and history lesson. It should remind you of the role smell played in our evolution.

CULTURAL IMPACT ON SMELL PERCEPTION

Given the connection between memory and smell, it is no surprise that your experiences influence your perception of odour. Your cultural background can shape what smells you like and dislike. For example, you might associate certain foods with a particular festival or celebration. This could trigger different memories for those living in other parts of the world. Some cultures also believe that odours can have healing or cleansing properties. You may find them used in traditional medicine practices or aromatherapy. As a result, your nose makes you react uniquely to the odours.

Aromatherapy is thought to have psychological benefits.

USING SCENT TO IMPROVE YOUR MOOD

There are certain scents that may ease stress and improve your mood. This is because the brain’s response to them can lead to the release of feel-good chemicals. For example, serotonin. Aromatherapy uses essential oils or candles to take advantage of this. Lavender is often associated with relaxation. Citrus scents, on the other hand, can be energising. Some people think that aromatherapy is a simple way to boost your mental well-being. So this could be your secret weapon against the January Blues. Or, if nothing else, it makes the place smell great.