Seeing their husband's pile of dirty laundry would undoubtedly aggravate any wife. However, according to a new study, women suggestively find the odour of their romantic partner's clothing as a stress-buster.
In the new research published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, academics found that smelling your lover's sweaty clothing can decrease the levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and can reinstate a sense of calmness. However, they have warned that the opposite effect can happen if you smell the body odour of a stranger.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia, Canada said that the results from the research explains why some women choose to wear their partner's shirts or jumper when they are away from each other.
The research's lead author and a graduate student in the university's department of psychology, Marlise Hofer said, “Many people wear their partner's shirt or sleep on their partner's side of the bed when their partner is away, but may not realise why they engage in these behaviours.”
She further added, “Our findings suggest that a partner's scent alone, even without their physical presence, can be a powerful tool to help reduce stress.”
