Adults often complain about teenagers and their strong body odor. They believe some lack proper grooming habits or personal care. A new study, however, reveals while raging hormones is a factor to this, teenagers might actually not be aware that they smell bad.
Experts from the Aarhus University in Denmark asked 411 teenagers and 320 adults to participate in a study that was published in the Chemical Senses journal. They were asked to detect 125 different odors.
The teenagers were able to identify odors from ketchup, soda, chocolates, bacon, cheese and junk food better than adults. They poorly identified, however, the odors of fruits and vegetables or cigarette smoke compared to the grownups.
At least 92 percent of adults detected the smell of sweat but only 14 percent of teenagers were able to correctly identify this. When it comes to identifying soap scents, teens and adults have a small difference at 84 percent and 87 percent respectively.
According to study author Alexander Fjaeldstad, the identification of odors are triggered by memories and it actually takes practice for the brain to get this right. "The ability to name odors is an acquired skill that takes years to master and requires both perceptual and verbal training," Fjaeldstad said, Yahoo reports.
The study could explain why teenagers are oblivious to their body odor or the smell that reeks from their bedroom. It might take a while for their brains to register and associate the odors.
Mom Justine Roberts of Mumsnet believed the study won't help resolve conflicts between a parent and a teenager about caring for their body. She told Daily Mail that it's not enough to consider teenagers are not aware of their smell as they should be able to develop habits that would help with their personal grooming.
Parents, do you have any tips on how to help other moms and dads about dealing with teens and their body odors? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
