Should the sense of smell be something to sneeze at for psychology?
Should the sense of smell be something to sneeze at for psychology?

Summary/Abstract: Psychologists’ interest in human olfactory functions seems marginal. Many psychologists hold the opinion that olfaction is a minor sense New data shows that this opinion is unjustified. The paper starts with the information about the influence of odors on human’s functioning, including emotions. Next olfactory memory is discussed in relation to general psychological knowledge about memory. Data concerning the Proust effect (the ability of odors to trigger autobiographical memories) are also presented. The role of odors in marketing is discussed, showing controversies between scientists and practitioners. The paper ends with data evidencing the importance of olfactory functions diagnosis in different somatic and psychiatric diseases.

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