Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Frescati Hagväg 14, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Greater Victoria, BC, Canada.
Chem Senses. 2021 Jan 1;46. doi: 10.1093/chemse/bjab037.
Olfactory impairment is one of the more unique symptoms of COVID-19 infection and has therefore enjoyed increased public attention in recent months. Olfactory impairment has various implications and consequences ranging from difficulty detecting dangerous pathogens to hindering social functioning and social behaviors. We provide an overview of how olfactory impairment can impact 3 types of close social relationships: family relationships, friendships, and romantic relationships. Evidence is divided into several categories representing potential mechanisms by which olfactory impairment can impact close social relationships: bonding disruptions, decreased social support, missed group-eating experiences, hygiene concerns, and altered sexual behaviors. We conclude with a discussion of emerging future research questions.
嗅觉障碍是 COVID-19 感染的较为独特症状之一,因此近几个月来受到了公众的更多关注。嗅觉障碍具有各种影响和后果,从难以察觉危险病原体到阻碍社交功能和社交行为。我们概述了嗅觉障碍如何影响 3 种亲密的社会关系:家庭关系、友谊和浪漫关系。证据分为几类,代表了嗅觉障碍影响亲密社会关系的潜在机制:纽带破裂、社会支持减少、错过群体进食体验、卫生问题和性行为改变。最后我们讨论了新兴的未来研究问题。