The Effects of Rose Oil Aromatherapy on Test-Taking Anxiety
Persistent URL
Author(s)
Anthony, Anastasia
Date Issued
April 1, 2019
Abstract
Aromatherapy using essential oils has been studied as a cost-effective, non-pharmacological, widely available intervention, and studies support the anxiolytic effects of lavender, peppermint, sweet orange, and rosemary (e.g., Dunnigan, 2013). However, there is a paucity of research on the anxiolytic effects of rose oil. Twenty-nine undergraduate students were recruited to participate in this mixed-model experiment which examined the effects of rose oil aromatherapy on test-taking anxiety. Test-taking anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (The STAI, 2018). Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three conditions: rose oil, lavender oil, or the control group, which received no aromatherapy. All participants were instructed to complete a math matrices task (Amir, Ariely, & Mazar, 2008) before reporting their state anxiety for a second time. Results showed limited support for the hypotheses that rose and lavender oil aromatherapy would decrease anxiety scores amongst the participants. However, it was found that the perceived pleasantness of the conditions could play a role in the potential calming effects of aromatherapy. More research is needed to fully explore the anxiolytic effects of aromatherapy and rose oil in test-taking conditions. Limitations and future directions are discussed.
Major
Psychology
Honors
Psychology, 2019
First Reader(s)
Eckstein, Lydia E.
Other Reader(s)
Conklin, Sarah M.
Department
Psychology
Type of Publication
Senior Project Paper
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Name
Final Comp Draft.pdf
Description
Final Comp Copy
Size
672.3 KB
Format
Adobe PDF
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