Olfactory Emotion as a Model System for Emotion Measurement

Abstract: Emotions elicited by sensory stimuli offer a powerful lens for examining fundamental issues in emotion theory and measurement. Olfaction is particularly suited for this purpose, as odor-evoked emotional responses often emerge rapidly, automatically, and with limited conscious mediation. This review examines methodologies used to assess emotions elicited by odors. Odor-evoked emotions typically align with valence and arousal dimensions, with happiness and disgust most frequently reported. We evaluate explicit measures – verbal and visual – and implicit techniques, including physiological recordings and facial expression analysis. While self-reports capture consciously experienced feelings, they are influenced by language, culture, and introspective ability. Implicit measures, by contrast, index automatic affective processes with higher temporal resolution. Integrating approaches provides a comprehensive framework for understanding emotional experiences.