Publication Type:
Journal Article
Source:
Emotion, Oxford Univers Press, Volume 9, Issue 3, Univ Lyubljana, Bernardin, SLOVENIA, p.316-328 (2009)
Keywords:
emotion;
olfaction;
appraisal theory;
novelty;
pleasantness
Abstract:
We investigated the effects of odors on appraisal processes and consequent emotional responses. The
main goal was to test whether an odor is detected as novel or familiar before it is evaluated as pleasant
or unpleasant. Participants performed a recognition task in which they were presented with pairs of
unpleasant or pleasant odors (sample and target odors). Within a pair, the sample and target were either
identical or different to assess participants’ novelty detection; unpleasant and pleasant target odors were
contrasted to examine participants’ appraisal of intrinsic pleasantness. We measured facial expressions
using electromyography and physiological reactions using electrocardiogram and electrodermal activity
in response to odors. The earliest effects on facial muscles and heart rate occurred in response to novelty
detection. Later effects on facial muscles and heart rate were related to pleasantness evaluation. This
study is the first to demonstrate the existence of a sequence of appraisal checks for odors eliciting
emotional reaction
