Characteristic Odor Emanating From Skin During Emotional Tension

Abstract

Abstract Humans frequently experience the transmission of the psychological state of people around them. Gas emanating from human skin is known to vary depending on body condition and/or food intake. This characteristic is gaining substantial scholarly attention because skin gas can be an effective non-invasive biomarker to know body condition. The study focuses on the relationship between psychological status and skin gas, which remains unclear to date. It demonstrates that an identifiable odor containing allyl mercaptan and dimethyl trisulfide is released from human skin during psychological stress and tension. An interview confirms a possible scenario where such a characteristic odor reproducibly appears. Undoubtedly, the scene is extreme. Furthermore, the study found that individuals who perceive this tension-stress model odor experience psychological tension, confusion, and fatigue (Profile of Mood States scale). The result indicates the possibility of human non-verbal communication through odor, which could enhance understanding of human interaction.