RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Evaluation of Emotion-related Salivary Molecular Biomarkers

This study aims to discover if our emotional state, like feeling happy or stressed, can be detected by changes in our saliva. Researchers believe that emotions cause our bodies to release certain chemicals, such as hormones and enzymes, which are part of our natural stress response system. By looking deeply at these chemicals in spit, they hope to find specific patterns linked to different feelings. They are particularly interested in how our emotions react to various smells. The goal is to develop a simple, non-invasive spit test that could provide insights into someone's emotional state, potentially offering a new way to understand how we feel without needing to ask. This research could open doors to better understanding and managing emotions in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Sys2Diag

Enrolment target

240

Start

14 Nov 2022

Estimated completion

14 Jun 2027

Emotion

What is this study about?

Imagine being able to tell how someone is feeling just by looking at their spit! That's what this study is all about. Our bodies have amazing ways of reacting to our emotions. When we feel happy, sad, stressed, or surprised, our bodies release different chemicals, like hormones and enzymes. These chemicals are part of our body's natural messaging system and play a role in how we physically respond to how we're feeling.

Researchers in this study want to explore these chemical changes in a simple and gentle way – by collecting samples of saliva (spit). They believe that certain emotions, especially those triggered by different smells, might create unique patterns of these chemicals in our spit. Think of it like a fingerprint, but for your feelings! If they can identify these specific patterns, it could mean that a simple spit test might one day help us understand someone's emotional state without needing complicated machines or invasive medical procedures.

The main goal is to find a set of these 'emotion chemicals' in saliva and learn how they change when we experience different feelings, particularly after smelling something new. This isn't about treating any health problems directly, but rather about gaining a better understanding of how our emotions affect our bodies at a very detailed level. This knowledge could eventually help in many areas, from understanding stress to developing new ways to support mental well-being.

Key takeaways

The study explores how emotions change chemicals in your spit.
It aims to find new ways to understand emotions using simple saliva tests.
Participation involves giving saliva samples; no medication is given.
It's safe, non-invasive, and helps advance scientific understanding.
You must be aged 18-60 and have a good sense of smell.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult between 18 and 60 years old. It’s important that you understand what the study involves and are happy to follow the study's instructions. You'll also need to sign a consent form, which is a document that says you understand and agree to take part.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you've had problems with your sense of smell in the last two weeks. You also can't take part if you have certain infections that could be passed on through saliva samples. Anyone currently in prison, a vulnerable adult needing a guardian, or someone under 18 cannot join.

Also, if you have significant active inflammation, advanced gum disease, or severe gingivitis in your mouth, you wouldn't be suitable for this study. The researchers need healthy participants to ensure the results are clear and focused on emotional changes rather than other health issues.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 60 years old?
Do you understand what the study is asking you to do?
Are you able to sign a form saying you agree to take part?
Are you currently not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you had a normal sense of smell for at least the last two weeks?
Do you have good general oral health (no major gum problems)?
Are you not in prison or a vulnerable adult needing a legal guardian?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This section isn't detailed in the provided information. However, typically, if you join a study like this, you would likely: attend one or more study visits where saliva samples would be collected, possibly before and after being exposed to certain smells. You wouldn't be given any medication as part of this study, and there would be no long-term follow-up beyond the sample collection. The total duration of your involvement would likely be very short, perhaps a single visit or a couple of short visits, depending on the study design.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part in this study are mainly contributing to scientific knowledge about emotions and how they affect our bodies. This research could lead to new ways of understanding emotional states in the future. Risks are expected to be very low, as the main procedure involves collecting saliva, which is non-invasive. There are no known direct health risks. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care if you have any.

Locations (1)

SYS2DIAG - UMR9005 CNRS/ALCEN, Montpellier, 34184
Verified postcode
Montpellier, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What exactly will I have to do if I join?

You would provide saliva samples, likely after being exposed to different smells, so researchers can look for chemical changes related to your emotions.

Will I be given any medicine or treatment?

No, this study does not involve any medication or treatment. It's purely about observing and measuring changes in your saliva.

Is giving a spit sample painful or unpleasant?

Collecting saliva is a very simple and pain-free process. It usually just involves spitting into a small tube.

How long will I need to be involved in the study?

The study details don't specify, but studies like this usually involve short visits, perhaps one or a few, for sample collection. It's unlikely to be a long-term commitment.

Will I find out my personal results?

The information provided doesn't specify. Often, individual results from basic research studies are not shared, but you can always ask the study team if it's possible.

How to find out more

Wendpouiré A OUEDRAOGO, Msc

alimata.ouedraogo@sys2diag.cnrs.fr +33 (0) 467 047 481 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.