A small study indicates that the scent of coffee may help reduce tension and fatigue in healthy young adults, potentially due to conditioned responses.

A study published in the journal Nutrients on September 9 suggests that the aroma of coffee may help reduce feelings of stress and improve mood. Researchers observed that healthy young adults experienced decreases in tension, fatigue, and confusion after being exposed to the scent of freshly brewed coffee for five minutes. The findings suggest these benefits may stem from conditioned responses rather than direct physiological changes.

Study Methodology and Findings

The study involved 20 healthy adults between the ages of 20 and 29. Participants were exposed to the aroma of freshly brewed coffee placed 50 centimeters away for five minutes while breathing normally. Researchers used the Profile of Mood States (POMS) to assess participants, finding that total mood disturbance decreased following exposure. While the study also measured heart rate and EEG activity, it found no significant changes in heart rate, though the EEG-derived relaxation index showed a modest increase.

Role of Conditioning and Expectations

Experts suggest that the observed benefits may be linked to learned associations. Registered psychologist Rod Mitchell noted that regular coffee drinkers often pair the aroma with breaks and relief, causing the brain to associate the smell with a settling effect. However, the study authors cautioned that the results could also be influenced by the laboratory environment or participant expectations, as the research lacked a control group.