In the event you suffer from bad road rage, there is perhaps a cure — in the shape of an air freshener.
A recent study published in Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical & Experiment found that the scent of peppermint oil can reduce aggressive driving behaviors.
Researchers from Northumbria University suggested that those that experience negative emotions reminiscent of stress and aggression while driving might want to take a position in a peppermint-scented air freshener.
Participants recruited for the study volunteered under the pretense that its purpose was to take a look at using virtual reality for driving simulations. They were told after completion of the study what the primary purpose was.
Volunteers — who were everywhere in the age of 18 and had a sound UK driver’s license — were questioned on their moods before and after the simulation and asked to rate feelings of aggression, alertness, happiness, sadness, stress and calm on a five-point scale.
They were split into two groups for the simulation: one exposed to peppermint oil and a control group that was not.
Compounds in peppermint oil have been shown to have positive effects on the brain in helping with depression and anxiety, which could potentially be the “root” of road rage, the authors wrote.
Participants wore a VR headset, had a seat, steering wheel and pedals, and were allowed to drive in a “calm” environment for a five-minute practice.
After the practice period, the simulation was increased to a 15-minute experience that would trigger aggression from drivers.
In 35 instances within the simulation for every participant, drivers would cut into their lane or abruptly brake with none warning.
The software recorded when participants’ driving was aggressive behavior, while researchers took note of any verbal instances that may very well be aggression.
Findings showed that those that were exposed to peppermint oil through a diffuser showed aggressive behavior a mean of 21.6 times while those without the aroma showed aggression 25.2 times, which is a 16.7% increase.
The study also found that the drivers with the essential oil were more alert and calm on top of being less aggressive and stressed.
Researchers said that peppermint oil may very well be used every day for many who experience road rage because it “significantly reduced aggressive driving behaviors” — but suggested a automotive freshener for the scent moderately than a diffuser.