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. 2020 May;10(5):e01585.
doi: 10.1002/brb3.1585. Epub 2020 Mar 25.

The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra- and interspecific chemical communication of emotions

Elisa Calvi  1 , Umberto Quassolo  1 , Massimiliano Massaia  1 , Anna Scandurra  2 , Biagio D'Aniello  2 , Patrizia D'Amelio  1   3
Affiliations

The scent of emotions: A systematic review of human intra- and interspecific chemical communication of emotions

Elisa Calvi et al. Brain Behav. 2020 May.

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.

Keywords: behavior; body odors; chemosignals; neuroendocrinology; psychology.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Flow diagram of the analysis of the literature
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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