Item Details

title

USING FACIAL EXPRESSIONS AS A HEDONIC MEASURE OF FLAVOR PERCEPTION IN CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS

author

de la Vega, Gabriela

abstract

Flavor perception is a multisensory experience shaped by both taste and retronasalolfaction, which develops across one's lifespan. While taste preferences are relatively innate and stable across human development, odor perception is variable and influenced by experience and age. This project investigated developmental differences in retronasal odor perception between children (ages 3–6) and adults using facial expressions as a nonverbal, cognitively independent hedonic response. Participants sampled colorless solutions with distinct odor or taste profiles and their facial reactions were assessed using the Facial Action Coding System. The results revealed significant age-related patterns of expression patterns for odor stimuli, suggesting developmental divergence in retronasal odor perception. In contrast, responses to taste stimuli were similar across age groups, also supporting prior literature on the innateness of taste preferences. Negative facial expressions were more reliable indicators of disliking, particularly in children, who displayed a stimulus independent bias toward positive expressions. Similarities in expression patterns between child-parent dyads, indicate potential hereditary or environmental influences, although these did not translate to shared odor preferences. These findings support the use of facial expression analysis in early flavor research and suggest that retronasal odor perception follows a distinct, experience-dependent developmental trajectory. Future studies should explore the roles of environmental exposure, intensity and physiology.

subject

adults

children

flavor

odor

retronasal olfaction

taste

contributor

Maier, Joost X. (advisor)

Salinas, Emilio (committee member)

date

2025-06-24T08:36:38Z (accessioned)

2025-06-24T08:36:38Z (available)

2025 (issued)

degree

Neuroscience – MS (discipline)

identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/111042 (uri)

language

en (iso)

publisher

Wake Forest University

type

Thesis