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Real-time In Vitro Monitoring of Odorant Receptor Activation by an Odorant in the Vapor Phase
Published on: April 23, 2019
Affected by smells? Environmental chemical responsivity predicts odor perception
Stina Cornell Kärnekull1, Fredrik U Jönsson, Maria Larsson
1Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, SE 10691, Stockholm, Sweden.
Chemical Senses
|April 21, 2011
Summary
Environmental odor sensitivity, or chemosensory responsivity (CR), is linked to personality and perception. Higher CR correlates with greater odor intensity perception and is associated with non-olfactory traits.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Sensory Science
- Psychology
Background:
- Negative reactions to environmental odors are prevalent in adults.
- Understanding the factors influencing these reactions is crucial for public health and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationships between environmental chemosensory responsivity (CR), personality traits, affective states, and odor perception.
- To explore the connection between CR, noise responsivity (NR), and odor perception.
- To determine if personality traits like neuroticism directly influence odor perception.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted with adult participants.
- Study 1 (n=101) examined CR, neuroticism, and odor perception.
- Study 2 (n=40) further explored CR, NR, neuroticism, and detailed odor perception (pleasantness, intensity), including olfactory thresholds.
Main Results:
- Chemosensory responsivity (CR) was positively correlated with neuroticism in young adults.
- High CR was associated with high noise responsivity (NR).
- Higher CR predicted increased odor intensity ratings, while lower olfactory thresholds (higher sensitivity) predicted lower pleasantness ratings. Neuroticism did not directly predict odor ratings or thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Chemosensory responsivity (CR) and olfactory thresholds are significant predictors of odor perceptual ratings.
- High CR is associated with non-olfactory affective traits, suggesting a broader responsivity pattern.
- The findings highlight the interplay between sensory perception, personality, and environmental sensitivities.
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