With peppermints you’re not my prince: Aroma modulates self-other integration

Abstract

Recent studies showed that self-other integration, as indexed by the joint Simon effect (JSE), can be modulated by biasing participants towards particular (integrative vs. exclusive) cognitive-control states. Interestingly, there is evidence suggesting that such control states can be induced by particular odors: stimulating odors (e.g., peppermint aroma) seem to induce a more focused, exclusive state; relaxing odors (e.g., lavender aroma) are thought to induce a broader, more integrative state. In the present study, we tested the possible impact of peppermint and lavender aromas on self-other integration. Pairs of participants performed the joint Simon task in an either peppermint- or lavender-scented testing room. Results showed that both aromas modulated the size of the JSE, although they had a dissociable effect on reaction times (RTs) and percentage of errors (PEs). Whilst the JSE in RTs was found to be less pronounced in the peppermint group, compared to the lavender and no-aroma groups, the JSE in PEs was significantly more pronounced in the lavender group, compared to the peppermint and no-aroma group. These results are consistent with the emerging literature suggesting that the degree of self-other integration does not reflect a trait but a particular cognitive state, which can be biased towards excluding or integrating the other in one’s self-representation.

The Subtle Signaling Strength of Smells: A Masked Odor Enhances Interpersonal Trust

“…Compared to control conditions (peppermint odor, no scent), the natural aroma of lavender increased the amount of money participants gave to a trustee (Sellaro et al, 2015b), a sign of trust. In another study, lavender odor was found to increased self-other integration (Sellaro et al, 2015a), which may help bridge perspectives between individuals and facilitate trust. Even outside of the lab, certain scents (e.g., orange odor) facilitated approach-related interpersonal behavior (e.g., dancing, drinking; Schifferstein et al, 2011).…”

“…When noticed, hexanal has the pleasant smell of freshly cut grass (Duke, 2015), but more often, hexanal remains “hidden” in mixtures that subserve some communication function. Indeed, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) has revealed the presence of hexanal in body odor samples (Jha and Hayashi, 2017), human skin emanations (Pandey and Kim, 2011), where it may serve a social communication function, but also in lavender (ter Heide et al, 1970; Khan and Abourashed, 2010), a smell that was shown to enhance trust in humans (Sellaro et al, 2015a, b).…”

The gender variation on the electroencephalographic activity in response to the exposure of black pepper essential oil from Kampong Cham, Cambodia

“…Previous studies have reported that aroma inhalation of essential oils exhibits various positive psychophysiological effects by regulating the central nervous system function . For example, peppermint aroma enhances memory, visual attention, task performance, and alertness, and lavender aroma promotes behavior commitment and interpersonal trust …”

“…13,14 For example, peppermint aroma enhances memory, visual attention, task performance, and alertness, and lavender aroma promotes behavior commitment and interpersonal trust. 15 The influence of fragrances on brain function has been determined by using an electrophysiological technique called the electroencephalography (EEG). The EEG measures the neuronal electrical activity from electrodes located on the scalp.…”

“…16 The EEG study is comparatively simple, non-invasive and could serve as an objective tool for determining the olfactory system. The EEG power spectra bands were classified into five major bands such as delta (0-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), alpha (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13) Hz) beta (13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30) and gamma (>30 Hz) waves. 14 These brain waves naturally appear during the active as well as resting states.…”