Pheromones

What are pheromones?

Chemical substances produced and released into the environment that trigger behavioral and physiological responses in others of the same species.

What roles do pheromones play in animals?

They are used to signal danger or readiness to mate.

Are pheromones confirmed in humans?

No, pheromones have not been conclusively identified in humans; their role remains controversial.

What is the proposed influence of pheromones on human behavior?

Some studies suggest pheromones may influence sexual behavior and perception in humans.

What was the aim of Zhou et al.’s study?

To investigate the effects of two potential human pheromones—AND (androstadienone) and EST (estratetraenol)—on sexual behavior.

What are AND and EST?

• AND: A chemical found in male semen.

• EST: A chemical found in female urine.
  They are proposed to influence human perception of gender.

Who were the participants in Zhou et al.'s study?

24 individuals from four groups: heterosexual males, heterosexual females, homosexual males, and homosexual females.

What task did participants perform during the study?

They watched point-light walker (PLW) figures and were asked to determine their gender while being exposed to clove-scented air with or without pheromones.

What were the three conditions in the experiment?

1. AND exposure

2. EST exposure

3. Control (no added pheromone)

What were the results for AND?

Heterosexual females and homosexual males were more likely to perceive the figures as masculine.

What were the results for EST?

Heterosexual males and homosexual females were more likely to perceive the figures as feminine.

What does the study suggest about the influence of AND and EST?

They may affect sexual perception by altering how individuals perceive gender, possibly reflecting an influence on sexual behavior.

How does this support the role of pheromones in human behavior?

Even though AND and EST are not confirmed pheromones, the changes in perception support the idea that human sexual behavior can be influenced by chemical signals.

Why is this study still debated in the scientific community?

Because the existence and function of pheromones in humans is not conclusively proven and remains controversial.