Human pheromones and sexual attraction

Grammer, Karl, Fink, Bernhard and Neave, Nick (2005) Human pheromones and sexual attraction. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 27 (6). pp. 203-213. ISSN 0301-2115

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Abstract

Olfactory communication is very common amongst animals, and since the discovery of an accessory olfactory system in humans, possible human olfactory communication has gained considerable scientific interest. The importance of the human sense of smell has by far been underestimated in the past. Humans and other primates have been regarded as primarily ‘optical animals’ with highly developed powers of vision but a relatively undeveloped sense of smell. In recent years this assumption has undergone major revision. Several studies indicate that humans indeed seem to use olfactory communication and are even able to produce and perceive certain pheromones; recent studies have found that pheromones may play an important role in the behavioural and reproduction biology of humans. In this article we review the present evidence of the effect of human pheromones and discuss the role of olfactory cues in human sexual behaviour.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Pheromone, human, sexual attraction, mate preferences, menstrual cycle, oral contraception
Subjects:	C800 Psychology
Department:	Faculties > Health and Life Sciences > Psychology
Depositing User:	Becky Skoyles
Date Deposited:	03 Feb 2015 11:35
Last Modified:	12 Oct 2019 16:28
URI:	http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/19820

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