The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra‐ and interspecific chemical communication of emotions
Abstract Objective The sense of olfaction has been considered of minor importance in human communication. In recent years, evidence has emerged that humans might be influenced by unconscious messages sent through chemosignals in body odors. Data concerning the ability of humans to recognize fear, ma...
| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Wiley
2020-05-01
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| Series: | Brain and Behavior |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1585 |
| _version_ | 1830477365194522624 |
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| author | Elisa Calvi Umberto Quassolo Massimiliano Massaia Anna Scandurra Biagio D'Aniello Patrizia D'Amelio |
| author_facet | Elisa Calvi Umberto Quassolo Massimiliano Massaia Anna Scandurra Biagio D'Aniello Patrizia D'Amelio |
| author_sort | Elisa Calvi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Objective The sense of olfaction has been considered of minor importance in human communication. In recent years, evidence has emerged that humans might be influenced by unconscious messages sent through chemosignals in body odors. Data concerning the ability of humans to recognize fear, maybe related to the evolutionary role of these emotions in the fight‐or‐flight reactions, are well known. Methods To further understand the role of emotional chemosignals in mediating communication in humans and its influence on animal behaviors, we conducted a systematic literature review. Results Chemosignals derived from axillary odors collected under a variety of emotional stimuli and sad tears in humans affect receivers' social interactions, danger detection and risk‐taking behavior, social aspects of eating, and performance under stressing conditions. In addition, beyond the fight‐or‐flight response, even the body odors of happiness can be perceived by others. Furthermore, human chemosignals can influence behaviors and stressful responses in animals, particularly dogs and horses, which may partially explain their special relationship with humans. Conclusion Our review highlights the importance of chemosignaling in human intra‐ and interspecific interactions and suggests the need for further investigations, both in physiological conditions and in patients with psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-21T16:12:52Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-5dd31027228146bbb4662a30f1984113 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2162-3279 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-21T16:12:52Z |
| publishDate | 2020-05-01 |
| publisher | Wiley |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Brain and Behavior |
| spelling | doaj.art-5dd31027228146bbb4662a30f19841132022-12-21T18:57:45ZengWileyBrain and Behavior2162-32792020-05-01105n/an/a10.1002/brb3.1585The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra‐ and interspecific chemical communication of emotionsElisa Calvi0Umberto Quassolo1Massimiliano Massaia2Anna Scandurra3Biagio D'Aniello4Patrizia D'Amelio5Department of Medical Sciences University of Turin Turin ItalyDepartment of Medical Sciences University of Turin Turin ItalyDepartment of Medical Sciences University of Turin Turin ItalyDepartment of Biology University of Naples “Federico II” Naples ItalyDepartment of Biology University of Naples “Federico II” Naples ItalyDepartment of Medical Sciences University of Turin Turin ItalyAbstract Objective The sense of olfaction has been considered of minor importance in human communication. In recent years, evidence has emerged that humans might be influenced by unconscious messages sent through chemosignals in body odors. Data concerning the ability of humans to recognize fear, maybe related to the evolutionary role of these emotions in the fight‐or‐flight reactions, are well known. Methods To further understand the role of emotional chemosignals in mediating communication in humans and its influence on animal behaviors, we conducted a systematic literature review. Results Chemosignals derived from axillary odors collected under a variety of emotional stimuli and sad tears in humans affect receivers' social interactions, danger detection and risk‐taking behavior, social aspects of eating, and performance under stressing conditions. In addition, beyond the fight‐or‐flight response, even the body odors of happiness can be perceived by others. Furthermore, human chemosignals can influence behaviors and stressful responses in animals, particularly dogs and horses, which may partially explain their special relationship with humans. Conclusion Our review highlights the importance of chemosignaling in human intra‐ and interspecific interactions and suggests the need for further investigations, both in physiological conditions and in patients with psychiatric or neurodegenerative disorders.https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1585behaviorbody odorschemosignalsneuroendocrinologypsychology |
| spellingShingle | Elisa Calvi Umberto Quassolo Massimiliano Massaia Anna Scandurra Biagio D'Aniello Patrizia D'Amelio The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra‐ and interspecific chemical communication of emotions Brain and Behavior behavior body odors chemosignals neuroendocrinology psychology |
| title | The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra‐ and interspecific chemical communication of emotions |
| title_full | The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra‐ and interspecific chemical communication of emotions |
| title_fullStr | The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra‐ and interspecific chemical communication of emotions |
| title_full_unstemmed | The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra‐ and interspecific chemical communication of emotions |
| title_short | The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra‐ and interspecific chemical communication of emotions |
| title_sort | scent of emotions a systematic review of human intra and interspecific chemical communication of emotions |
| topic | behavior body odors chemosignals neuroendocrinology psychology |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.1585 |
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