Abstract
Ninety-six introductory psychology students participated in an experiment studying the effects of olfactory stimulation and brief relaxation induction on qualities associated with imagery and perceived relaxation. Each subject imagined 10 images and rated the images on five dimensions. Each subject was in one of two levels of muscle relaxation and one of three olfactory states (2×3 design). ANOVA results indicated that odors which are congruent with images enhance several imagery qualities and odors which are incongruent can decrease these image qualities. The results suggest that congruent olfactory stimuli may be applicable to psychological interventions where increased imagery qualities, affective qualities and perceived relaxation are desired outcomes. Similarly, the results suggest that incongruent odors may be useful in driving away undesirable images when used in interventions when this is desirable.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
References
Betts, G. H. (1909). The distributions and functions of mental imagery. Teachers College Columbia University Contributions to Education, 26, 1–99.
Cautela, J. B., & McCullough, I. (1978). Covert conditioning: A learning theory perspective on imagery. In J. L. Singer & K. S. Pope (Eds.), The power of human imagination. New York: Plenum Press.
Kenneth, J. H. (1927). An experimental study of affects and associations duc to certain odors. Psychological Monographs, 171, 32–91.
Maletzky, R. M. (1977). “Booster” sessions in aversion therapy: The permanency of treatment. Behavior Therapy, 8, 460–463.
Maletzky, R. M., & George, F. S. (1973). The treatment of homosexuality by assisted covert sensitization. Behavior Research and Therapy, 11, 655–657.
Qualls, P. J., & Sheehan, P. W. (1981). Electromyograph biofeedback as a relaxation technique: A critical appraisal and reassessment. Psychological Bulletin, 90 (1), 21–42.
Segal, S. J., & Glickman, M. (1967). Relaxation and the Perky Effect: The influence of body position and judgments of imagery. American Journal of Psychology, 60, 257–262.
Wolpe, J. (1958). Psychotherapy by reciprocal inhibition. Stanford, Ca.: Stanford University Press.
Wolpin, M., Faunce, W. D., & Gross, P. (1981). Experiences accompanying olfactory stimulation. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Study of Mental Imagery, Yale University, New Haven.
Wolpin, M., & Kirsch, I. (1974). Visual imagery, various muscle states and desensitization procedures. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 39, 1143–1149.
Wolpin, M., & Weinstein, C. (November, 1980 ). Visual imagery and olfactory stimulation. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the International Imagery Association, San Francisco.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1986 Plenum Press, New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Faunce, W.D., Wolpin, M. (1986). Effects of Olfactory Stimuli and Brief Relaxation Induction on Imagery. In: Wolpin, M., Shorr, J.E., Krueger, L. (eds) Recent Practice and Theory. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5146-7_15
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-5146-7_15
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4684-5148-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-4684-5146-7
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive