Influence of hunger and satiety on perceived pleasantness and intensity ratings of food and nonfood odors as a function of locus of control

The influence of hunger and satiety on perceived pleasantness and intensity ratings for 27 food- and 13 non-food-related odors as a function of locus of control (LC) was investigated. Meal-related shifts in hedonic ratings of food-related odors were anticipated to be correlated with LC measures (Rotter's (1966) Internal-External scale, and Saltzer's (1982) Weight Locus of Control scale). Ten internal and 14 external LC subjects, (half of each sex, ages 16-30, of normal weight and health) judged microencapsulated odors before and after either a meal or one hour control period. LC measures were not related to pleasantness or intensity ratings, but there did exist a trend for internal LC subjects to rate food odors in the post-no lunch condition as less pleasant. The pre- to post-pleasantness ratings for food odors decreased only for the lunch group.