Individual differences in personality predict the use and perceived effectiveness of essential oils

PLoS One. 2020 Mar 12;15(3):e0229779. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229779. eCollection 2020.

Abstract

Essential oil (EO) use is growing in popularity and ostensibly used for treating or preventing various ailments or conditions. Despite the increase in use, there is a paucity of research on psychosocial predictors of EO use and their perceived effectiveness. However, several psychosocial characteristics are associated with health-promoting behavior and a tendency to believe in homeopathic cures. In the current study, we examined a variety of individual differences in the use and perceived effectiveness of essential oils in a sample of 1,202 participants (Mage = 31.33, SD = 13.77; 61.7% women, 75.6% Caucasian). We found that receptivity to pseudo-profound fabricated statements and religiosity were the most consistent predictors of greater use of, perceived effectiveness of, and a willingness to spend more money on EOs.

MeSH terms

  • Attitude*
  • Female
  • Homeopathy / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Individuality*
  • Male
  • Oils, Volatile*
  • Perception*
  • Religion
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Oils, Volatile

Grants and funding

The authors received no specific funding for this work.