Personality and Perceptions of Common Odors

Abstract

Introduction: Common brain areas play a role in processing both personality and odor, while personality theory predicts that olfactory performance should vary according to personality traits. The Big Five model of personality is considered a gold standard measure but has yet to be directly applied in investigations linking personality and olfactory responses. Moreover, olfactory measures commonly used in personality studies are usually rudimentary sensory performance indices such as thresholds as opposed to higher-order perceptual and psychological metrics. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between comprehensive measures of personality and perceptual responses to odors. Personality was measured using a comprehensive test of the Big Five model of personality, while olfactory responses included identification, pleasantness, perceived intensity, and familiarity. Odors were presented using the Sniffin’ Sticks test. Results: Small to moderate correlations were noted between aspects of personality and response to odor, even after controlling for participant (N = 74) characteristics such as age and gender. Regression analyses indicated that, overall, odor familiarity co-varies the most with aspects of personality. Conclusions and Implications: Responses to olfactory stimuli are moderated by specific personality dimensions. This finding is consistent with approach and avoidance motivational models of personality.