No stress reduction by the aroma of lavender - Keine Stressreduktion durch das Aroma Lavendel

Abstract

It is hypothesized that the aromatherapy has a positive effect in the treatment of diseases. In a previous study, a relaxing effect of rosmarin and lavender could be observed as well as a positive effect of lavender on the performance in a math task.After announcement of a social Stressor (oral presentation) 42 students were assigned randomized to an experimental condition with aroma of lavender (N=20) or without aroma (N=22). The temporary condition of state anxiety and the more general and long-standing quality of trait anxiety were measured with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI X1 and X2).A difference could be observed between the two experimental groups for the state anxiety, however, also for the trait anxiety. Therefore, the difference in the state anxiety could not be considered as an effect of the experimental design. When considered the difference between the values in the STAI X1 and in the STAI X2, no significant difference occurred between the two experimental groups.In conclusion, the selected experimental design failed to demonstrate an effect of the aroma lavender on the reduction of stress.