Losing a loved one is a terrible and soul-crushing experience. It leaves a profound impact on our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, often leaving us feeling defeated and hopeless. Recovery from such a significant loss takes time and effort to mend the shattered pieces of our lives.
It is crucial to recognize that healing does not happen overnight. Even years after the loss, we may still be grappling with the psychological trauma we endured during that time. Some may argue that humans have an innate ability to sense when their time is approaching, dismissing it as mere coincidence. However, the impact of loss cannot be underestimated.
The Unconscious Detection of Odors: A Powerful Connection
When someone close to us passes away, we seek understanding or make assumptions about their final moments. Interestingly, scientists have discovered that the human body starts to decay after death, emitting an offensive and dangerous odor called putrescine. Recent research suggests that people unconsciously detect this unpleasant smell.
Furthermore, the presence of this smell triggers an immediate reaction. Both animals and humans have the innate ability to detect and react to the odors emitted by others.
Surprising Similarities: Animals and Humans
Contrary to popular belief, animals and humans are not as different as we may think. Researchers Ilan Shira from the Department of Behavioral Sciences at Arkansas Tech University and Arnaud Wisman from the University of Kent’s School of Psychology conducted a study exploring this connection.
One early warning sign they found is the ability to detect putrescine. When exposed to this smell, people react both consciously and unconsciously, triggering the fight-or-flight response. Similarly, animals faced with a serious threat have two options: confront the threat head-on or flee.
Previous research has shown that the scent of someone else’s sweat can elicit an immediate and startling reaction in people. Wisman and Shira explain, “We are not aware of why we are drawn to or repelled by someone’s scent, nor do we realize how much scent influences our emotions, preferences, and attitudes.”
The Power of Putrescine: Avoidance and Hostility
The offensive scent of putrescine is challenging to comprehend, according to esteemed academics. When exposed to such smells, people become more watchful and alert to their surroundings. Verbal or physical arguments are typically avoided, and when confrontation is inevitable, people often keep their distance.
While putrescine serves as a warning signal, sex pheromones, which the body releases to attract a partner, have the opposite effect. Putrescine sends a different message than pheromones, and people’s reactions to it (avoidance and hostility) seem to be the opposite of the perception of sexual pheromones.
During experiments, participants were unaware of the negative effects the smell had on them. Wisman and Shira note that most people are unfamiliar with putrescine and do not associate it with fear or death.
Understanding the profound impact of loss and how our senses, like the unconscious detection of odors, play a role in our reactions is a crucial step towards healing. By acknowledging the journey of recovery and the power of our innate responses, we can gradually reclaim our sense of hope and well-being.
