On the Multisensory Experience of Humidity: A Multidisciplinary and Multicultural Perspective

Area of Science:

• Environmental Psychology
• Sensory Science
• Human Perception

Background:

• The perception of atmospheric moisture (humidity) is a complex multisensory experience, often inferred from touch rather than directly sensed.
• Historically, humidity perception has been overlooked in tactile psychophysics research, gaining recent attention in environmental psychology.
• Humidity perception is increasingly relevant due to its role in thermal comfort and implications for global climate change.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the multisensory experience of atmospheric moisture perception.
• To explore the influences on humidity perception, including its connection to thermal comfort.
• To examine potential individual, group, and cultural variations in humidity perception.

Main Methods:

• This study employs a narrative historical review methodology.
• It synthesizes existing research on tactile psychophysics and environmental psychology related to humidity.
• The review analyzes the multisensory integration involved in perceiving atmospheric moisture.

Main Results:

• Humidity perception is an inferred sensation, influenced by touch and environmental conditions assessed at the skin surface.
• The valence of humidity perception (positive or negative) can depend on perceived control over the experience.
• Multisensory influences significantly impact the perception of humidity and thermal comfort.

Conclusions:

• The perception of humidity is a vital aspect of human environmental interaction and thermal comfort.
• Further research is needed to understand individual, group, and cultural differences in humidity perception.
• Addressing humidity perception is critical for adapting to environmental changes, such as those driven by global climate change.