Researchers from Charles University in Prague explored what motivates people to assess their own scent and which situations trigger such self-evaluations. The findings were reported in the scientific journal Physiology and Behavior.
The investigation unfolded in two phases. In the initial stage, a group of 124 volunteers participated. They answered questions about how frequently they detected odors from different parts of their bodies or their clothing, and they described actions they took in odor-related situations. For instance, participants were asked to recount occasions when they noticed the scent of their armpits. The aim was to map the frequency and contexts of self-smell experiences among healthy adults, shedding light on everyday odor awareness. [Attribution: study methodology, Phase 1]
In the follow-up phase, the sample grew to 209 individuals. They completed a 35-item survey addressing odors and related behaviors, usage of medications, and hygiene routines such as the amount of time spent washing hands. The expansion allowed a broader view of how people monitor their own scent in daily life and how hygiene habits correlate with odor-related awareness. [Attribution: phase 2 data collection]
Using principal component analysis, researchers identified three distinct dimensions of self-smelling. The first, social acceptance monitoring, encompassed odor checks related to underarms, breath, and the scent of worn clothing. The second dimension, intimate self-monitoring, captured concerns about specific body odors that might affect close relationships or social interactions. The third—cosmetic self-monitoring—focused on scent checks of hands and hair as potential signals of personal grooming. These categories reveal a structured pattern in how people perceive and regulate their own odor in social and personal contexts. [Attribution: statistical results]
The study uncovered notable gender differences in odor concerns. Men tended to report more worry about how their crotch smells compared with women. Additionally, individuals living with chronic illnesses were more likely to describe the social acceptability of their scent, suggesting health status can influence odor-related self-monitoring. Across groups, a substantial portion of participants engaged in smelling hands and clothes, indicating that odor awareness is a common, everyday behavior not confined to one gender or condition. [Attribution: interpretation of findings]
Historically, researchers have explored the sensory and psychological aspects of smell, linking olfactory awareness to daily routines, social interactions, and self-presentation. This contemporary work adds to that body of knowledge by showing how people systematically monitor their own scent in multiple life domains. It also aligns with broader discussions about personal hygiene, odor perception, and the social signals embedded in body odors. The study’s conclusions help explain why odor checks persist in routines as diverse as getting ready, making impressions, and managing comfort in social settings. [Attribution: broader context]
In sum, the research reveals that self-smelling is not random. It comprises three interrelated components: social acceptance monitoring, intimate self-monitoring, and cosmetic self-monitoring. These elements together illustrate a nuanced portrait of odor-related self-awareness in modern life, reflecting how people navigate concerns about cleanliness, health, and social perception. The work also highlights how demographic and health factors shape odor-related attitudes and behaviors. [Attribution: overall synthesis]
Note: Earlier studies proposed that aromas and scents could influence cognitive function and mood. In light of current findings, it appears that the act of sniffing and evaluating one’s own odor may be part of a broader self-regulation system that people use to feel confident in various social and personal contexts.