Identification and characterization of olfactory memories in sample of the brazilian population

• Grant number: 17/06710-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: June 01, 2017
• End date: May 31, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Experimental Psychology
• Agreement: Natura
• Principal Investigator: Mirella Gualtieri
• Grantee: Patrícia Maria Rodrigues Gonçalves
• Host Institution: Instituto de Psicologia (IP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 14/50282-5 - Positive psychology and neuroscience: translational research to promote well-being and emotional regulation, AP.PCPE

Abstract

The triggering of highly vivid, detailed and emotional autobiographical memories evoked by odors is known as the Proust Phenomena or Madeleine Effect referring to the literary anecdote described by the writer Marcel Proust "In Search of Lost Time: Swann's Way" (1913 Original Edition), where the aroma of a madeleine biscuit dipped in linden tea takes the main character Marcel back to his childhood, calling up emotional memories from long ago. In addition to the strong association of aromas with individual emotional memory, smell can provide the triggering of collective memories by inducing memories that make us aware of our cultural identity. Despite the increase in the number of studies related to the emotional memories evoked by smell, there are no studies mapping and analyzing this phenomena in a population. The aim of this study is the development and application of a questionnaire that will be used as a means for the investigation and characterization of olfactory emotional memory of the Brazilian people. In addition, olfactory awareness levels will be analyzed and possible correlations between the obtained results will be evaluated. (AU)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

GONÇALVES, Patrícia Maria Rodrigues. Identificação e caracterização de memórias olfativas em amostra da população brasileira. 2021. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Instituto de Psicologia (IP/SBD) São Paulo.