Visualization method of emotional change of converting evaluation using emotion and arousal checklist (EACL) into two dimensional representation and flavor creation method using the method

Abstract

To provide a method of evaluating a change in a psychological state of a person due to external stimulation and a creation method of flavor that changes a psychological state.SOLUTION: A change in a psychological state of a person due to external stimulation is objectively evaluated by analyzing evaluation of emotion and arousal factor of an emotion and arousal checklist (EACL) on a coordinate axis on the Russell's circumplex model.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a product development method that utilizes the results of measuring changes in emotions induced by external stimuli such as aroma, taste, texture, color, and music. It is widely known that fragrances have a significant impact on consumer reactions, such as consumer purchasing motivation and behavior (Non-Patent Document 1). Therefore, in the cosmetic technology field, research is being conducted from the perspective of how the fragrance of each product affects consumer purchasing behavior, and there is a strong demand for a method to measure emotional changes caused by fragrance. On the other hand, there are various evaluation methods for objectively evaluating and expressing human emotions.

[0002] For example, Russell's circular model was devised to visually represent a subject's emotions. Specifically, it is a model (Figure 1) in which 28 emotions (details will be described later) are arranged in a circular pattern on a plane with an X axis (pleasant-unpleasant axis) and a Y axis (arousal-calm axis), taking into account the relationships between each emotion. By plotting the subject's emotions on this model, it becomes possible to intuitively understand the relative position of the subject's emotional state during the test. Due to its simplicity and ease of interpretation of the evaluation, it is used in a wide range of fields, including psychology and education (Non-Patent Document 2). Using Russell's circumplex model, it is possible to grasp the various emotions contained in the expression of "enjoyment." For example, by having subjects plot the same emotional expression "enjoyment" on the model, it is possible to understand that when they enjoyed sports, the emotion of "enjoyment" includes emotions such as excitement, joy, and happiness, and when they enjoyed listening to music, it includes emotions such as happiness, satisfaction, and relief. In this way, Russell's psychological assessment can accurately plot the location of subjective emotions, thereby obtaining information beyond emotional terms. However, the assessment is qualitative, and there is a problem in that it is not possible to adequately quantitatively evaluate such emotions.

[0003] To solve this problem, a method has been devised in which emotions, which have been classified into seven categories in advance, are evaluated using a nine-point scoring system ranging from "not feeling at all" to "feeling very strongly," and these evaluation scores are converted using a specific algorithm and plotted on a plane diagram of the pleasant-unpleasant axis (X-axis) / active-static axis (Y-axis) similar to the Russell Circumplex model (Patent Document 1). Another method has been devised in which the intensity of the 28 scales of the Russell Circumplex model is evaluated, and the center of gravity of the area connecting the plots is calculated to quantitatively evaluate emotions (Non-Patent Document 3).

[0004] However, these methods have problems with the accuracy of the evaluation, as the former evaluates and analyzes emotions using only seven items, and the latter directly uses the 28 emotion-related terms (sometimes called emotion terms) devised by Russell for evaluation, requiring careful prior adjustment of the scale for plotting the evaluation scores of the emotion items, and the calculations for plotting the evaluation results on the X-axis (pleasant-unpleasant axis) and Y-axis (arousal-calm axis) plane are complicated, making them unsuitable for cases where there are a large number of samples or subjects, and therefore do not necessarily meet the demand for a comprehensive evaluation and expression of the emotions induced by fragrances. In order to evaluate using more appropriate emotional terms, Russell's circumplex model has been used to attempt to quantify the amount of emotional change that occurs when ingesting food, taking into account the emotional expressions of modern Japanese people (Non-Patent Document 4).

[0005] In addition, taking into account the characteristics of the product, emotion evaluation terms other than the 28 evaluation words used in the Russell Circle model are being considered. For example, a method for selecting terms to objectively evaluate the emotional changes that occur when using an external composition (Patent Document 2) and a method for selecting terms to objectively evaluate the basic emotions and arousal of modern Japanese people are being considered. The Emotion and Arousal Checklist (EACL) (Non-Patent Document 5), which can simultaneously evaluate emotions and arousal, has been proposed.

[0006] Among these, the EACL evaluation method uses 9 factors and 33 evaluation terms (details will be provided later) selected to measure both short-term and long-term psychological states based on emotions and emotional expressions commonly shared by modern Japanese people, and involves a questionnaire survey with a four-point scale for each item (ranging from "not at all" to "very much"). All of the emotional expressions are intuitive and easy to understand, and no prior preparation such as negotiating the meaning of the emotional expressions is required. It is an excellent evaluation method that is also quantitative. The reliability and validity of measuring changes in emotions are high, and it can also be used to measure long-term psychological states over the past month or so, making it particularly suitable for evaluating cosmetics that require continuous use (Non-Patent Document 6).

[0007] However, although the EACL assessment results can reveal the strength of the assessment scores for each of the nine factors related to emotions and feelings, as well as the changes before and after the assessment (whether emotions became stronger or weaker for each factor), no analytical method was known for deriving overall emotions or changes in emotions from such assessment results.Furthermore, there had been no sufficient attempts to interpret the assessment results obtained by the "EACL" through the widely known "Russell's Circumplex Model." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2024-053804 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-095407 [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kansai University Journal of Commerce, Vol. 69, No. 3, pp. 37-55 (December 2024) [Non-patent document 2] Journal of Personality and Social Psychology;39(6),1161-1178(1980) [Non-patent document 3] Journal of the Japan Society of Kansei Engineering, Vol. 18, No. 3, pp. 187-193 (2019) [Non-patent document 4] Japanese Cognitive Psychology Society 19th Conference PI-B05 (2022) [Non-Patent Document 5] Psychological Research, Vol. 85, No. 6, pp. 579-589 (2015) [Non-patent document 6] Psychological Research, Vol. 93, No. 5, pp. 469-475 (2022) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] There is a need for new methods that can measure emotions and their changes in response to external stimuli such as aroma, taste, texture, color, and music, and objectively evaluate and express these emotions, thereby enabling the results to be effectively utilized in product development. This invention provides a new method for intuitively understanding emotional changes using the EACL evaluation results, which are widely used for various purposes and use evaluation terms related to emotions and feelings that are suitable for Japanese people. By using this method, it is possible to objectively overview the psychological states of multiple subjects with different genders and ages, making it easier to utilize emotional evaluation in product development, which was previously difficult, and making it possible to provide more attractive products.

[0011] The present invention includes the following aspects. [1] A method for evaluating a subject's psychological state in response to an external stimulus, comprising: (1-1) Emotion and Arousal Factors of EACL (Emotion and Arousal Checklist) (Fear, Anger, Sadness, Disgust, Joy, Energy Arousal+, Energy Arousal-, Tension Arousal+, Tension Arousal-) and Russell's Circumplex Model A step of matching emotion terms with ; (1-2) Step to determine the coordinate values ​​of the emotion and arousal factors of the EACL that have been addressed above on the coordinate axes of the Russell Circumplex Model; (2) Evaluating the subject's psychological state due to external stimuli using the emotion and arousal factors of the EACL and calculating the fluctuation value of each emotion and arousal factor due to external stimuli; (3) A step of multiplying each coordinate value of each factor obtained in step 1-2 by the fluctuation value of the emotion / arousal factor obtained in step 2 to obtain a correction value for each coordinate value, and accumulating these values; (4) A step of positioning the integrated coordinate values ​​obtained in step 3 on the Russell circle model. [2] In Step 1-1, the "fear" of the EACL scale was replaced with "AFRAID" in the Russell Circumplex Model, the "anger" of the EACL scale with "ANGRY" in the Russell Circumplex Model, the "disgust" of the EACL scale with one of the "ANNOYED", "DISTRESSED" and "FRUSTRATED" in the Russell Circumplex Model, the "tension arousal (+)" of the EACL scale with "TENSE" in the Russell Circumplex Model, the "pleasure" of the EACL scale with one of the "PLEASD", "HAPPY" and "GLAD" in the Russell Circumplex Model. One type is selected from the above, "Energy Arousal (+)" of the EACL scale is selected from "DELIGHTED" of the Russell Circumplex Model, "Sadness" of the EACL scale is selected from "SAD", "GLOOMY" and "DEPRESSED" of the Russell Circumplex Model, "Energy Arousal (-)" of the EACL scale is selected from "DROOPY", "TIRED" and "BORED" of the Russell Circumplex Model, and "Tension Arousal (-)" of the EACL scale is selected from "RELAXED", "CALM", "AT EASE" and "SERENE" of the Russell Circumplex Model. The evaluation method described in [1] is used.

[0012] [3] The evaluation method according to [1] or [2], characterized in that step 1-1 is performed by applying the EACL scale's "Fear," "Anger," "Disgust," "Tension Arousal (+)," "Joy," "Energy Arousal (+)," "Sadness," "Energy Arousal (-)," and "Tension Arousal (-)" to the Russell Circumplex Model's "AFRAID," "ANGRY," "ANNOYED," "TENSE," "PLEASED," "DELIGHTED," "SAD," "DROOPY," and "RELAXED," respectively. [4] In the step 1-2, when the coordinate value of joy is (1.00, 0.23), the coordinate values ​​of the Russell Circumplex model of the EACL scale names of fear, anger, disgust, arousal tension (+), energy arousal (+), sadness, energy arousal (-), and tension arousal (-) are (-0.75, 0.80), (-0.68, 0.57), (-0.92, 0.41), (-0.83, 0.59), (0.73, 0.72), (-0.75, -0.54), (-0.48, -0.79), and (0.77, -0.49), respectively. [3] The evaluation method described in [3]. [5] To evaluate the emotional changes of subjects due to external stimuli, a computer (1-1) Steps to match the emotion and arousal factors (fear, anger, sadness, disgust, joy; energy arousal +, energy arousal -, tension arousal +, tension arousal -) of the EACL (Emotion and Arousal Checklist) with the emotion terms in Russell's Circumplex model; (1-2) Step to determine the coordinate values ​​of the emotion and arousal factors of the EACL that have been addressed above on the coordinate axes of the Russell Circumplex Model; (2) Calculating the change (change value) in the evaluation score of each emotion / arousal factor of the EACL due to external stimuli; (3) A step of multiplying each coordinate value of each factor obtained in step 1-2 by the fluctuation value of the emotion / arousal factor obtained in step 2 to obtain a correction value for each coordinate value, and accumulating these values; (4) Step 4: Positioning the integrated coordinate values ​​obtained in step 3 on the Russell circle model. An emotion evaluation program to execute the following.

[0013] [6] A method for blending a fragrance, characterized by carrying out the following steps: (a) The step of selecting the emotional effect to be adjusted from among the emotions in the first quadrant of Russell's circumplex model, "invigoration," the emotions in the second quadrant, "frustration," the emotions in the third quadrant, and the emotions in the fourth quadrant, "depression," and "relaxation"; (b) selecting one or more fragrances that produce the emotional effect to be regulated in the subject using the method described in [1]; (c) incorporating one or more fragrances selected in step (b) into a fragrance composition; (d) confirming the emotional effect of the fragrance composition prepared in step (c) by the method described in [1]; and (e) adjusting the amount of each of the one or more fragrances selected in step (b) based on the evaluation obtained in step (d). [7] A fragrance composition produced by the fragrance blending method described in [6]. [8] A method for evaluating fragrances, cosmetics, and food and beverage products using the evaluation method described in [1] or [2]. [9] A cosmetic product or food or drink to which the fragrance composition according to [7] has been added.

[10] A method for producing a cosmetic or food or drink product according to [9], wherein the fragrance composition according to [7] is added during the production process of the cosmetic or food or drink product.

[0014] The evaluation method according to the present invention makes it possible to plot emotions evoked by stimuli of the five senses, such as aroma, taste, texture, color, and music, as well as changes in those emotions, on coordinates on the plane of the "Russell's Circumplex Model," thereby enabling changes in emotions to be grasped intuitively and quantitatively. Furthermore, because the assessment results according to this method are located in quadrants that reflect increases or decreases in each factor of the EACL, it is consistent with conventional interpretations and is a highly reliable method that correlates with the TDMS-ST (Two-Dimensional Mood Scale) method, the reliability and validity of which has been confirmed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] This is the Russell circle model. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an image diagram of the evaluation results obtained by the method of the present application. [Figure 3] This is the coordinate value of "PLEASED" in the Russell circle model. [Figure 4] This is the EACL questionnaire. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing changes in psychological state in the Russell Circumplex model. [Figure 6] This is a diagram showing changes in psychological state in the Russell Circumplex model. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the psychological state of a subject with a high preference for a fragrance after smelling the fragrance. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the psychological state of a subject with low fragrance preference after smelling a fragrance. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the psychological state after smelling a fragrance prepared using the fragrance blending method of the present invention.

[0016] First, we will explain in detail the "Russell Circle Model" and "EACL," which are essential for understanding the present invention.

[0017] <Russell Circle Model> On a plane with an X axis and a Y axis, the positive direction of the X axis represents "pleasure," the negative direction represents "discomfort," the positive direction of the Y axis represents "awakening" and the negative direction represents "calmness" (or sleepiness), and emotions are arranged in a two-dimensional space of pleasure-discomfort and awakening-calmness (sleepyness). Specifically, the following 28 emotions are arranged on the X-axis and Y-axis plane as shown in Figure 1, taking into account their respective relationships. Excited, Astonished, Delighted, Glad, Happy, Pleased, Satisfied, Content, Serene, Calm, At Ease, Relaxed, Sleepy, Tired, Droopy, Bored, Gloomy, Sad, Depressed, Miserable, Frustrated, Annoyed, Distressed, Angry, Tense, Afraid, Alarmed, Aroused

[0018] <eacl> The list consists of the following evaluation terms related to emotions and feelings: 9 emotion / arousal factors (also called scales) [Emotional words] Fear, anger, sadness, disgust, joy [Awakening Words] Energy Awakening+, Energy Awakening-, Tension Awakening+, Tension Awakening- ·item

[0019] [Table 1-1] [Table 1-2]

[0020] Next, the present invention will be described. The present invention involves using EACL to evaluate emotions and feelings (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as emotions or feelings), applying a predetermined algorithm to the results, identifying the coordinates of such emotions, and plotting them on a Russell circumplex diagram. By plotting on the Russell Circumplex model, it is possible to utilize the pleasure-displeasure axis on the X-axis, the arousal-calmness axis on the Y-axis, and vector information on the 28 types of emotional expressions on the circumplex, allowing for a more accurate assessment of the evaluator's emotions. For example, by plotting the subject's emotions on an X-axis and Y-axis plane using this method, roughly, X>0 and Y>0 corresponds to "invigoration" (a state of vitality); · X>0 and Y<0 is "relaxation" (relaxed state); X<0 and Y>0 is "frustration" (a stressful state; X<0 and Y<0 is "depression" (a lethargic state) The emotions expressed can be intuitively understood by classifying them into four quadrants, and the degree of emotion can be quantitatively evaluated based on the distance from the origin (the intersection of the X and Y axes) to each coordinate, and the detailed emotions in each quadrant can be inferred from the direction of the plot vector (Figure 2).

[0021] Next, an outline of the algorithm of the present invention will be described. (Step 1 of 1) Aligning the EACL scale with Russell's Circumplex Model of Emotions First, from the 28 emotion terms in the Russell Circumplex Model (Figure 1), emotion terms similar to the nine scales of the EACL were selected, and the emotion terms in the Russell Circumplex Model and the EACL scales were matched as shown in Table 2.

[0022] As long as the emotions indicated by the Russell Circumplex Model assessment items correspond to the emotions on the nine scales of the EACL, similar results can be obtained with combinations other than those in Table 2. for example, -Select either "DISTRESSED" or "FRUSTRATED" from the Russell Circumplex Model instead of "ANNOYED" as the equivalent of "DISTRESSED" on the EACL scale; -Instead of "PLEASD" in the Russell Circumplex Model, choose either "HAPPY" or "GLAD" as the equivalent of "joy" in the EACL scale; -Instead of "SAD" in the Russell Circumplex Model, choose either "GLOOMY" or "DEPRESSED" as the equivalent of "Sadness" in the EACL scale; The Russell Circumplex model corresponds to the "Energy Arousal (-)" of the EACL scale. Instead of "DROOPY" choose either "TIRED" or "BORED"; -Instead of "RELAXED" in the Russell Circumplex Model, one of "CALM," "AT EASE," or "SERENE" can be selected as the response to "Tension Arousal (-)" in the EACL scale. is possible.

[0023] [Table 2]

[0024] (Step 1-2) Determine the coordinate values ​​of emotion terms Furthermore, the coordinate values ​​of emotion terms in Russell's circumplex model were calculated. Specifically, we first set the maximum value of the coordinate value on the X axis (pleasure-displeasure axis) for "PLEASED," which is located at the far right (X is the maximum value) on the X-axis and Y-axis plane of Russell's circumplex model, to 1.0. By doing this, we can calculate the coordinate value for "PLEASED" on the Y axis (arousal-calmness axis) to be 0.23 based on the deviation from this 0 point (Figure 3). Then, using this coordinate as the base, that is, the coordinate value for "PLEASED" to be (1.00, 0.23), we calculated the coordinate values ​​for the other eight emotion terms as shown in Table 3.

[0025] [Table 3]

[0026] (Step 2) Measuring the psychological state of the evaluator The psychological state of the evaluator is measured in the form of a questionnaire using the EACL questionnaire (Figure 4). This questionnaire has a total of 33 items (the same as the items in Table 1), including 20 items corresponding to five emotion scales (fear, anger, sadness, disgust, and joy) and 13 items corresponding to four arousal scales (energy arousal +, energy arousal -, tension arousal +, and tension arousal -). The subject scores each item on a scale of 0 to 3 in increments of 1 point. This measurement can be performed before and after the application of a stimulus that changes emotions (such as smelling a fragrance, listening to music, or looking at a picture). By measuring in this way, it is possible to understand how the stimulus changed emotions. Furthermore, by measuring after the application of a first stimulus (e.g., fragrance A) and then after the application of a second stimulus (e.g., fragrance Z, which is different from fragrance A), it is possible to understand the difference between the emotions evoked by the first stimulus (fragrance A) and the second stimulus (fragrance Z).

[0027] The difference between the scores obtained from these two measurements (here, the measurements before and after the application of a stimulus are referred to as the "pre-assessment score" and the "post-assessment score") ("post-assessment score" - "pre-assessment score") is calculated, and the average of these differences is used as the fluctuation value. For example, in the example of Table 4, where measurements were taken before and after the application of a certain stimulus, the "post-assessment score" - "pre-assessment score" was calculated for each of the items on the "fear" scale: "scared," "nervous," "anxious," and "terrified," and the average of the differences between the pre- and post-assessment scores for these four items ("2," "2," "0," "2") was calculated, and the resulting value, "1.5," was used as the fluctuation value for the "fear" scale.

[0028] [Table 4]

[0029] (Step 3) The coordinate values ​​for each of the nine scales listed in Table 2 are multiplied by the respective variation values ​​obtained in Step 2 to correct the coordinate values ​​for each of the nine scales. For example, in the case of the fluctuation values ​​in Table 4, the fluctuation value of the "fear" scale is "1.5", so the coordinate values ​​of the "fear" scale (X axis (pleasant-unpleasant axis): -0.75, Y axis (arousal-calmness axis) 0.80) are corrected to (-1.13, 1.20) (i.e., -0.75 x 1.5 = -1.13; 0.80 x 1.5 = 1.20). Calculations are made in the same way for scales other than "fear". The coordinate values ​​obtained for the nine scales are summed for each axis (pleasant-unpleasant axis; arousal-calmness axis) to obtain coordinate values ​​that indicate the change in psychological state before and after the stimulation. The adjusted coordinate values ​​for each scale and the total values ​​for the pleasant-unpleasant axis and the arousal-calmness axis, obtained using the results of Tables 3 and 4, are shown in Table 5. In this case, the coordinate values ​​indicating the psychological state are (-1.64, -0.21).

[0030] [Table 5]

[0031] When multiple evaluators are involved, the coordinate values ​​of each evaluator can be averaged to obtain a corrected value.

[0032] (Step 4) By entering the coordinate values ​​obtained in this way into the Russell Circumplex model, it is possible to visualize the psychological state and magnitude of change after the stimulus is applied, that is, the direction and change from the origin (the intersection of the X-axis and Y-axis) before the stimulus is applied. For example, the results of Table 5 are shown in Figure 5. It is possible to visually confirm that the stimulus caused discomfort. Furthermore, by organizing the totals as follows: X-axis > 0 and Y-axis > 0 represents invigoration (a state of vitality), X-axis > 0 and Y-axis < 0 represents relaxation (a state of relaxation), X-axis < 0 and Y-axis > 0 represents frustration (a state of stress), and X< 0 and Y< 0 represents depression (a state of lethargy), the position of the totals on the plane can be used to grasp the general trends in emotional fluctuations (Figure 6). In the example of Figure 6, the coordinate value becomes (5.2, -0.4) as a result of applying the stimulus, and in this case, it can be seen that applying the stimulus has a "relaxation" effect. More specifically, it can be evaluated that the feeling of SATISFIED or CONTENT has improved. Each of the above steps can be implemented as a computer program.

[0033] According to the present invention, changes in emotions can be intuitively understood using the widely known Russell Circumplex model, and changes caused by changing stimuli (e.g., smelling different scents) can also be intuitively understood.

[0034] The psychological evaluation according to the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it stimulates one of the human senses. Specifically, examples of things that stimulate the sense of taste or smell include foods and beverages, cosmetics, detergents, etc. Other examples include things that stimulate the sense of touch such as the texture of food, the feel of clothing, and the smoothness of shampoo foam, things that stimulate the sense of hearing such as music, and things that stimulate the sense of sight such as images. The aspects of the present invention are not limited to the individual embodiments described above. The present invention is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. It is to be understood that the ... Various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible within the scope of the present invention.

[0035] Next, the present invention will be described with reference to examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples. [Example]

[0036] (Examples 1 and 2) Using the method of the present invention, emotional changes upon smelling various perfumes are plotted on Russell's circumplex model.

[0037] [Method] A total of six types of perfumes (Table 6) were evaluated by 30 trained panelists using the following procedure: eight types of men's perfumes (three heavy types and five light types), and three types of women's perfumes (three heavy types and three light types).

[0038] [Table 6]

[0039] Approximately 50 μL of perfume was dropped onto absorbent cotton and sealed in a glass bottle with a lid. Before smelling the perfume, participants answered the EACL questionnaire about their current psychological state, and then answered the EACL questionnaire about their psychological state after smelling the perfume. Each evaluation using the EACL questionnaire took approximately five minutes. Next, the variation values ​​were calculated from the EACL questionnaire, and the coordinates of the EACL scale were corrected by the variation values ​​and plotted on the Russell Circumplex model.

[0040] At the same time as the EACL survey, perfume preference was evaluated using the following five-point scale. (Evaluation score) 5: Very much like it 4: Somewhat like it 3: Neither 2: Somewhat dislike 1: Very dislike

[0041] (Example 1) Psychological state of the group with high preference (preference rating of 4 or higher) (Figure 7) In the group with high preference (preference rating of 4 or higher) (n=3-15), regardless of the perfume's scent tone (men's or women's, heavy or light), smelling the perfume caused emotions to shift to the pleasant side, and in many cases the emotions felt after smelling the perfume shifted to a state of relaxation (Figure 7; each point represents the value for each perfume tested). It can also be seen that the psychological states evoked by the men's perfumes "I36" and "W47," both of which are classified as light fragrances, are completely different: invigoration for the former and relaxation for the latter.

[0042] (Example 2) Psychological state of the group with low preference (preference rating of 2 or less) (Figure 8) In the group with low preference (preference rating of 2 or less) (n=1-20), smelling the perfume tended to cause emotions to shift to the unpleasant side, indicating that the emotions felt after smelling the perfume often became frustrated (Figure 8 shows the values ​​for each perfume tested).

[0043] By comparing Example 1 and Example 2, it can be seen that even when smelling the same product, the direction of emotional change differs significantly between the group with a high perfume preference and the group with a low perfume preference. Also, it can be seen that even the same product can induce different emotions depending on the subject's preferences, such as "W47," which provides relaxation to subjects with a high preference, providing invigoration to subjects with a low preference, and "I36," which provides invigoration to subjects with a high preference, providing depression / relaxation to subjects with a low preference.

[0044] (Example 3) Perfume Blending Method A perfume blending method using the evaluation method of the present invention was investigated. By utilizing this perfume blending method, the emotional effect of the base fragrance can be changed to that of the blended fragrance by adding a blended fragrance that has a specific emotional effect (change in emotion). For example, by adding a compounded fragrance having an invigoration effect, an invigoration effect can be imparted to the base fragrance.

[0045] First, a trained panel performs a sensory evaluation of various blended fragrances in the same manner as in Examples 1 and 2. The EACL evaluations of the blended fragrances in the group with a preference rating of 4 or higher are converted using the method of the present invention and plotted on Russell's circular ring model. From the fragrances plotted in the invigoration, relaxation, frustration, and depression regions, a fragrance having the emotional effect that you want to impart is selected. For example, if you want to impart an invigoration effect, select the blended fragrance plotted in the invigoration region that is the furthest from the origin (the intersection of the X and Y axes) and that will cause the least change in fragrance tone when blended with the base fragrance.

[0046] Next, the compounded fragrance was mixed with a base fragrance at various concentrations (referred to as compounded fragrance), and the difference in emotional response compared to the base fragrance was confirmed. The origin of this plot corresponds to the emotion felt when smelling the base fragrance, and each plot allows us to understand the amount and direction of change in emotion caused by the blended fragrance. I-1 to I-5 are test groups in which the blending ratio of the base fragrance to the blended fragrance was changed. (I-1, I-2, I-3, I-4, and I-5 are compositions in which the ratio of base fragrance to blended fragrance was 9:1, 7:3, 5:5, 3:7, and 1:9, respectively.)

[0047] As a result, as shown in Figure 9, I-1, I-2, I-4, and I-5 improved the invigoration effect, and more specifically, I-5 evoked a feeling of Delighted (pleasant), being the fragrance that caused the strongest emotional change, while I-1, I-2, and I-4 imparted a feeling of Exited (excited), and I-3 imparted a feeling of Arouzed (awakened) (Figure 9). These results demonstrate that the method of the present invention is effective in searching for blended fragrances that improve the invigoration effect of base fragrances and in determining their appropriate blend ratios.< / eacl>

Claims

1. A method for evaluating a subject's psychological state in response to an external stimulus, comprising: (1-1) A step of matching the emotion and arousal factors (fear, anger, sadness, disgust, joy, energy arousal +, energy arousal -, tension arousal +, tension arousal -) of the EACL (Emotion and Arousal Checklist) with emotion terms on Russell's circumplex model; (1-2) A step of determining the coordinate values ​​of the emotion / arousal factors of the EACL that have been addressed above on the coordinate axes of the Russell Circumplex Model; (2) Evaluating the psychological state of the subject due to external stimuli using the emotion / arousal factors of the EACL and calculating the fluctuation value of each emotion / arousal factor due to the external stimuli; (3) A step of multiplying each coordinate value of each factor obtained in step 1-2 by the fluctuation value of the emotion / arousal factor obtained in step 2 to obtain a correction value of each coordinate value, and integrating these values; (4) a step of positioning the integrated coordinate values ​​obtained in step 3 on the Russell ring model.

2. In step 1-1, "fear" on the EACL scale is substituted for "AFRAID" in the Russell Circumplex Model, "anger" on the EACL scale is substituted for "ANGRY" in the Russell Circumplex Model, "disgust" on the EACL scale is substituted for one of "ANNOYED," "DISTRESSED," and "FRUSTRATED" in the Russell Circumplex Model, "tension arousal (+)" on the EACL scale is substituted for "TENSE" in the Russell Circumplex Model, and "joy" on the EACL scale is substituted for one of "PLEASD," "HAPPY," and "GLAD" in the Russell Circumplex Model. The "energy arousal (+)" of the EACL scale is selected from "DELIGHTED" of the Russell Circumplex model, and the "sadness" of the EACL scale is selected from "SAD", "GLOOMY" and "DEPRESSED" of the Russell Circumplex model. The "energy arousal (-)" of the EACL scale is selected from "DROOPY", "TIRED" and "BORED" of the Russell Circumplex model. The "tension arousal (-)" of the EACL scale is selected from "RELAXED", "CALM", "AT EASE" and "SERENE" of the Russell Circumplex model. The evaluation method according to claim 1, wherein each of the following is applied:

3. 3. The evaluation method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in step 1-1, the EACL scale's "fear," "anger," "disgust," "tension arousal (+)," "joy," "energy arousal (+)," "sadness," "energy arousal (-)," and "tension arousal (-)" are respectively applied to the Russell Circumplex Model's "AFRAID," "ANGRY," "ANNOYED," "TENSE," "PLEASED," "DELIGHTED," "SAD," "DROOPY," and "RELAXED."

4. 4. The evaluation method according to claim 3, wherein in step 1-2, when the coordinate value of joy is (1.00, 0.23), the coordinate values ​​of the Russell Circumplex model of the EACL scale names of fear, anger, disgust, arousal tension (+), energy arousal (+), sadness, energy arousal (-), and tension arousal (-) are (-0.75, 0.80), (-0.68, 0.57), (-0.92, 0.41), (-0.83, 0.59), (0.73, 0.72), (-0.75, -0.54), (-0.48, -0.79), and (0.77, -0.49), respectively.

5. To evaluate the emotional changes of subjects due to external stimuli, a computer (1-1) EACL (Emotion and Arousal Checklist) A step of matching the emotion / arousal factors (fear, anger, sadness, disgust, joy; energy arousal +, energy arousal -, tension arousal +, tension arousal -) of the Emotion / Arousal Checklist with the emotion terms on Russell's Circumplex Model; (1-2) A step of determining the coordinate values ​​of the emotion / arousal factors of the EACL that have been addressed above on the coordinate axes of the Russell Circumplex Model; (2) calculating the fluctuation (fluctuation value) of the evaluation score of each emotion / arousal factor of the EACL due to external stimuli; (3) A step of multiplying each coordinate value of each factor obtained in step 1-2 by the fluctuation value of the emotion / arousal factor obtained in step 2 to obtain a correction value of each coordinate value, and integrating these values; (4) Step of positioning the integrated coordinate values ​​obtained in step 3 on the Russell circular model. An emotion evaluation program to execute the following.

6. A method for blending perfumes, characterized by carrying out the following steps: (a) A step of selecting an emotional effect to be adjusted from among the emotions in the first quadrant of Russell's circumplex model, "invigoration," the emotions in the second quadrant, "frustration," the emotions in the third quadrant, and "depression," and the emotions in the fourth quadrant, "relaxation"; (b) selecting one or more fragrances that produce the emotional effect desired to be modulated in the subject according to the method of claim 1; (c) incorporating one or more fragrances selected in step (b) into a fragrance composition; (d) confirming the emotional effect of the perfume composition prepared in step (c) by the method of claim 1; and (e) adjusting the amount of each of the one or more fragrances selected in step (b) based on the evaluation obtained in step (d).

7. A fragrance composition produced by the fragrance blending method according to claim 6.

8. A method for evaluating fragrances, cosmetics, and foods and beverages using the evaluation method according to claim 1 or 2.

9. A cosmetic product or a food or drink to which the fragrance composition according to claim 7 has been added.

10. 10. A method for producing a cosmetic product or a food or drink product according to claim 9, wherein the fragrance composition according to claim 7 is added during the production process of the cosmetic product or the food or drink product.

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