Effects of Aromatherapy On Stress and Emotion in Office Workers: an Electroencephalogram Analysis

This study aims to explore the impact of aromatherapy using jasmine and lavender scents on the stress and emotional states of office workers, utilizing the Profile of Mood States (POMS) for subjective emotional assessments and electroencephalogram (EEG) for objective analysis. Methods: We conducted a double-masked, randomized study with 44 office workers divided into two groups receiving either jasmine or lavender aromatherapy. Results: Both jasmine and lavender effectively enhanced emotional well-being, mainly by lowering depression and anxiety. EEG data showed that lavender more effectively boosted a-wave activity, indicating more vital relaxation. Furthermore, gender differences were observed; males responded more to lavender with heightened relaxation. Conclusion: Aromatherapy with jasmine and lavender can enhance office workers' psychological and physiological well-being. The findings support the integration of aromatherapy into workplace environments to alleviate stress and improve overall employee satisfaction and performance. Future studies should explore long-term effects and the impact of multi-sensory integration on aromatherapy outcomes. Keywords: Aromatherapy, Electroencephalogram, Office Workers, Stress, Jasmine and Lavender