DIY Perfume-Making and Psychological Well-Being

ABSTRACT: This study explores the psychological and emotional benefits of DIY perfume-making, analysing its impact on mood, self-expression, creative confidence, and anxiety. The research combines quantitative and qualitative methods, including pre- and post-experiment surveys, correlation analysis, and thematic analysis of participant experiences. Descriptive statistical findings indicate significant improvements in emotional well-being, with mood increasing from 3.34 to 3.68, self-expression satisfaction from 3.37 to 3.79, and creative confidence from 3.66 to 3.84, while anxiety decreased from 3.32 to 3.00. Correlation analysis revealed a stronger relationship between confidence and self-expression post-experiment (+0.940), showing that hands-on creative engagement enhances self-perception and emotional health. Thematic analysis identified five major themes: emotional transformation, self-expression and identity, creative confidence, sensory engagement, and stress relief. Participants reported that perfume-making provided an avenue for self-discovery, relaxation, and mindfulness, reinforcing existing literature on the psychological impact of creative activities. The literature review contextualized these findings by examining the historical significance of perfume, the chemistry of fragrance creation, the rise of DIY perfumery, and its sustainability. Historical accounts highlight perfume’s role in cultural and social identity, while scientific literature underscores the complexity of fragrance formulation. The increasing preference for personalized, eco-friendly, and chemical-free fragrances has fuelled the DIY perfume movement, despite challenges such as ingredient sourcing and blending techniques. This study concludes that DIY perfume-making is more than a hobby—it serves as a therapeutic tool that fosters self-expression, boosts confidence, and alleviates anxiety. Recommendations include integrating DIY perfume-making into wellness programs, creative therapy sessions, and sustainable beauty initiatives. However, limitations such as a small sample size, reliance on self-reported data, and the short study duration should be addressed in future research through larger and longitudinal studies. Overall, the findings support the idea that engaging in hands-on creative activities like perfume-making can enhance emotional well-being, making it a valuable practice for personal growth and self-care. Keywords: DIY perfume-making, self-expression, creative confidence, emotional well-being, anxiety reduction, mood enhancement, fragrance psychology, sensory engagement, mindfulness, sustainable perfumery, personalized fragrance, therapeutic creativity, stress relief, self-identity, olfactory experience.