Sex differences in olfactory self-recognition

This study investigated sex differences in the ability to recognize one's own body odor accompanied by an attempt to account for valiance in this ability by comparing ratings of self-body odor and other odors on a visual analog scale (VAS). Whereas over half (59.4%) of the females were able to identify their own odor, only one out of 18 (5.6%) males were able to recognize their own odor. Females rated their own secretions as significantly lower on a pleasant-positive factor than males rated their own odors (axillary secretions), but there was no difference in ratings between those who could and those who could not identify their own odor. The dimensions tapped by the VAS used in this study do not seem to account for the ability to identify one's own body odors. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.