Researchers at Brown University exposed people playing computer games to custom-made scents. If the people were having a good time while they played the game, they were more likely to report that they liked the scent. If they were having a bad game, they were more likely to say they disliked the scent.

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"As humans, we're not immediately predisposed to respond to a scent and believe that it is good or bad. When we like or don't like a smell, that is learned," lead researcher Rachel Herz, a visiting assistant professor of psychology, said in a prepared statement.

"Some people may smell a rose and be reminded of their father's funeral. Others may like the smell of skunk because they have a positive attachment to it from childhood," Herz said.

Emotions, odour perception linked
She said the study findings support the link between emotions and odour perception. There is little scientific data to back the idea that genetics influence odour perception, she added.

There are a few exceptions to the emotions-odour perception theory. For example, people immediately dislike irritating odours such as ammonia.

The study appears in the current issue of the International Journal of Comparative Psychology. – (HealthDayNews)
 

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