Exploring The Impact of Pleasant and Unpleasant Odour on Executive Functioning and State and General Anger Across Genders in Kolkata

Abstract

The research explored the impact of pleasant and unpleasant odours on executive function and state and general anger across genders in Kolkata. The study employed an experimental pre-test and post-test control group design, with 60 individuals (30 male and 30 female) aged 18-25 years from Kolkata. Two conditions were presented to the participant’s: control condition which consisted of no smell and experimental condition which consisted of one bad smell (turpentine) and one good smell (citrus). The Stroop Effect Test measured executive functioning, while the STAXI-2 assessed state and general anger. Statistical analysis, including Descriptive Statistics, Shapiro-Wilk Test for Normality, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U tests, was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences – 26 (SPSS – 26). Females consistently had higher mean values for state and general anger, regardless of condition. Males showed greater impairment in executive function when exposed to unpleasant odours. Exposure to pleasant odours improved executive functioning in males, but increased anger ratings in females.