The influence of a person’s psychoemotional status on the peculiarities of odor perception in atmospheric air: olfacto-odorimetric studies

Introduction. The analysis of a person’s psychoemotional state as one of the parameters of adaptive reaction of organism to external sensory stimulation, as well as important component which influence on the peculiarities of this reaction, have a great importance for assessing the risk of adverse effects of atmospheric air pollution by substances with olfactory effects.

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of individual psychoemotional parameters on perception of odors of various hedonic tones in olfactory-odorimetric experiments.

Material and methods. Various concentrations of the selected flavors (“Orange”, “Cognac” and “Coffee”) were delivered to the study participants using the ECOMA T08 olfactometer dilution system. The composition of the supplied mixtures was controlled by chromatography-mass spectrometry. The emotional state of the participants and its changes during odorimetry were performed using standard validated psychological and psychophysiological scales.

Results. The study showed that when exposed to an odor characterized as pleasant, positive and statistically significant changes in the well–being of the study participants were observed (p_1–3 = 0.043, p_1–2 = 0.016), as well as increased activity when exposed to threshold concentrations. Exposure to high concentrations (above threshold), regardless of the pleasantness or unpleasantness of the odor, is in most cases associated with a decrease in activity and a deterioration in mood. It has been established that the peculiarities of odor perception (sensitivity, perceived intensity) are significantly influenced by a person’s emotional state and quality of life indicators (degree of fatigue, self-assessment of health, level of interpersonal relationships).

Limitations. The studies were conducted under conditions of short-term controlled odorant supply, which makes it difficult to extrapolate the results to the natural conditions of atmospheric air pollution with odorous substances.

Conclusion. The conducted research, as an experimental model of a real situation, has high social significance, since increased emotional stress, which can develop when exposed to annoying environmental odors, is a prerequisite for the development of many diseases, in particular, of the neuro-immune-endocrine system, of which it is the trigger.

Compliance with ethical standards. The consent of the local ethics committee of the Center for Strategic Planning and Management of Medical and Biological Health Risks of the FMBA was obtained for conducting the research (Protocol No. 3 dated 08/17/2020). All participants gave informed voluntary written consent to participate in the study.

Authors’ contribution:
Budarina O.V. – concept and design of the study, writing the text, editing;
Ingel F.I. – concept and design of the study, writing the text, editing;
Skovronskaya S.A. – collection and processing of material, writing text, editing.
All co-authors are responsible for approving the final version of the article and ensuring the integrity of all parts of the article.

Conflict of interests. The authors declare that there are no obvious and potential conflicts of interest in connection with the publication of this article.

Funding. The study was carried out within the framework of the state task No. 1023032300263-5-3.3.5.

Received: November 20, 2025 / Accepted: November 25, 2025 / Published: January 15, 2026

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