The Scent of Intimacy

Exploring the Associations Between Intimacy, Disgust, and Olfactory Ability

Datos Bibliográficos

ID8358763
AutoresEllen L Murphy (Macquarie University), Fiona E Wylie (0000-0002-5287-2463, Macquarie University, autor de correspondencia), Mehmet K Mahmut (0000-0002-9228-0884, Macquarie University)
Año2025
Volumen54
Número6
Páginas2107-2116
Fecha de publicación2025-06-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaArchives of Sexual Behavior (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0004-0002 • E-ISSN: 1573-2800
EditorialSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s10508-025-03145-y
PMID40425945
OpenAlexW4410773423
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas1
Referencias citadas47

Intimacy is a fundamental aspect of romantic relationships, yet its underlying sensory mechanisms remain understudied. Research has suggested that experiences of intimacy are related to both olfaction and disgust. For example, studies indicate greater olfactory ability is associated with fulfilling relationships, while heightened disgust sensitivity can hinder sexual arousal and interpersonal affiliation. However, no study has investigated intimacy, olfaction, and disgust together. To investigate this, 74 participants aged 17–56 years ( M = 22.6, SD = 7.1), completed self-report surveys assessing relationship intimacy and sensitivity to pathogen, moral, and sexual disgust. Participants also completed a short form of the Sniffin’ Sticks identification test. Results revealed emotional and intellectual intimacy shared a significant weak positive association with olfactory ability, and no significant relationship with any form of disgust. Physical intimacy had a significant weak positive relationship with pathogen and sexual disgust, but not olfactory ability or moral disgust. Social intimacy had a significant positive moderate relationship with only pathogen disgust. Findings highlight the multifactorial nature of relationships and the importance of exploring different factors that may relate to intimacy

Anger · Association (psychology) · Developmental psychology · Disgust · Embarrassment · Interpersonal relationship · Olfaction · Psychotherapist · Sexual arousal · Sexual behavior · Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior · Neuroscience · Olfactory and Sensory Function Studies · Psychology · Psychology of Moral and Emotional Judgment · Social Psychology