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An Empirical Study on the Effect of Blended Scents in Driving Environments From a Neuro‐Cognitive Perspective

Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: BACKGROUND: An effective method that is easy to implement and widely applicable for improving driving performance and reducing driving risks remains a challenge. Although fragrances are widely used in daily driving, there is a gap between empirical research on everyday blended fragrances and functional fragrances clinical reports. In this study, a deliberately chosen blend of scent without overtly stimulating or functional proven evidence was tested for its potential to enhance performance in a driving environment. METHOD: Thirty qualified young drivers were recruited to participate in the experiment. They were asked to watch a 15-min first-person perspective driving video to simulate a driving environment and then complete questionnaires and three sets of behavioral experiments while their brain activity was monitored by EEG. RESULT: Participants in the scented environment exhibited statistically significant advantages in two cognitive tasks during behavioral measures. These findings were effectively supported by the EEG data, showing that beta waves exhibited more activity in the occipital and prefrontal cortex, enhanced theta waves were observed in the prefrontal cortex, and the TAB index characterizing driving fatigue was suppressed in the prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSION: This empirical evidence highlights the potential of pleasant, natural, and blended scents in enhancing driving performance, suggesting that promoting the aromatherapy while driving as an easily applicable approach in daily life seems justified and expands the application of aromatherapy in daily life.
DOI: 10.1002/brb3.70082
Language: English
Field: Psychology
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,460
OpenAlex ID: W4403209911
FWCI: 3.303
Cites: 65
Cited by: 7
Related to: 10