Exploring chemical communication in humans
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Heinrich-Heine-University, Department of Experimental Psychology, Germany
Across species chemosensory cues are used as survival promoting strategies, e.g. in order to avoid harm, to attract potential mates, to regulate social distance, or to restore social equilibrium. However, surprisingly little is known about chemical communication in humans. In order to overcome this lack of knowledge, some possible methodological improvements will be proposed. 1. Theoretical considerations on the evolutionary and social meaning of the communication may facilitate the search for the relevant behavioural elements of chemical communication in humans. Examples are the chemosensory communication of bonding between mates as well as between mother and child, the chemosensory communication of stress/ anxiety and the chemosensory communication of aggression/ dominance. In each case, a successful communication offers benefits for the survival of the species and might have evolved through natural and sexual selection. 2. The endocrine system most probably is a key modulator of signal expression and perception. In examining bonding behaviour, aggression or anxiety it could be advantageous to measure related hormonal changes in the signal-sender as well as in the perceiver. Knowledge of the endocrine status will help to understand the specificity of the signal, the specificity of the response and the time frame of the physiological response. 3. The context of odour presentation is considered to be of special significance in the research of chemical communication in humans. The context may refer to expectations (cognitive level) about the odour (source) as well as to the endocrine status (physiological level) of the perceiving subject.
Conference:
Summer School on Human Olfaction, Dresden, Germany, 19 Jul - 25 Jul, 2009.
Presentation Type:
Poster Presentation
Topic:
Abstracts
Citation:
Pause
B
(2009). Exploring chemical communication in humans.
Conference Abstract:
Summer School on Human Olfaction.
doi: 10.3389/conf.neuro.09.2009.12.025
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Received:
23 Jul 2009;
Published Online:
23 Jul 2009.
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Correspondence:
Bettina Pause, Heinrich-Heine-University, Department of Experimental Psychology, Duesseldorf, Germany, bettina.pause@uni-duesseldorf.de