While some animals may be able to detect chemicals secreted by emotional perspiration, the concept of ‘the smell of fear’ in humans belongs mostly to the realm of fiction.

In their first attempt, to induce fear in the participants, researchers showed them clips of horror films including The Exorcist, The Shining, and Child’s Play 2. However, little change was observed in the participants’ ability to smell. This was thought to be due to the emotional complexity of watching a film, so researchers looked to distil their method to the chemical underpinnings.