The Perception of Senior High School Teachers and

Students of Montessori De Manila of the A.Y.

2021-2022 on the Different Aromatherapy
Devices and Essential Oils for
Calming Purposes

Quantitative Research Paper

Submitted By:
Choi, Yewon
Fernandez, Raven Nicole G.
Juan, Sofia Charis C.
Tataro, Maria Ana Justine D.

October 29, 2021

SY 2021 - 22 Page 1 of 7
 CHAPTER 1
THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

In recent years, aromatherapy has seen a spike in public interest and demand in the market scene. It was first

introduced for medicinal, religious, and scientific purposes, going by "Aromatics." Aromatics refers to organic compounds

and hydrocarbons that are composed of carbon and hydrogen. It is named "aromatics" for the distinctive aroma derived

from minimal amounts of crude oil and coal. In modern times, benzene, toluene, and xylenes are the main aromatics used

in a wide range of consumer products such as perfume and essential oils. It has also been since recognized as another

branch in the field of medicinal studies.

The trend for modern usage of aromatherapy can be traced back to the year 1997 when the International Standards

Organization or the ISO supported claims that essential oils obtained from raw materials are good for reducing illnesses,

such as nausea, body aches, anxiety, depression, fatigue, menstrual problems, and alopecia. According to Medical News

Today, there are different ways to practice aromatherapy. The first and most common way is inhalation: when essential

oils evaporate into the air by diffuser, sprays, or candles, and the droplets/molecules are breathed in by a person. When the

molecules enter the nose, it passes through the lungs and other parts of the body helping with hormonal balance, heart rate,

blood pressure, and memory stress. Another practice is topical application, essential oils used during massages or used as

bath and skincare products. The oil is absorbed through the skin, boosts blood circulation, and creates a holistic effect.

However, the practice of topical applications is less favored because applying too much oil directly to the skin may cause

side effects due to its high concentration. There is a shortage of evidence to support aromatherapy in the treatment of

Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's, and heart disease. Aromatherapists claim that volatile chemicals directly stimulate the

brain or are taken into the bloodstream through the skin, affecting internal organs.

Aromatherapy devices can range from scented candles, incense as well as manual and mechanical diffusers. Scented

candles are often composed of candle wax and a combination of essential oils. Incense sticks or cones are most commonly

made up of bark, seeds, flowers, and roots along with aromatic materials such as cinnamon and sandalwood to produce

fragrance. Lastly, diffusers may come in two or more types. Most common in the market are manual and mechanical

diffusers. Manual diffusers function in a similar way to incense sticks but with the exception of needing to light up with

SY 2021 - 22 Page 2 of 7
fire. Mechanical diffusers are often wired or battery-powered devices that can function as humidifiers while providing

scent in a room.

Aromatherapy dominated the American market in 2020 due to the increasing awareness of alternative practices. The

target consumers of aromatherapy are primarily women, but millennial consumers are significantly increasing.

Aromatherapy accounted for 78.2% of the global revenue in 2020. The demand for aromatherapy devices rose to an 8.8%

compound annual growth rate over the period. An essential oil company based in America, doTERRA, saw a growing

demand for its products in the Philippines in 2019. The market is expected to rise at a 9.65% compound annual growth

rate due to the expansion of companies towards Southeast Asian countries.

With all the information mentioned above, the researchers conducted this study due to the possible benefits of

aromatherapy for students and teachers. Maximizing its full potential may aid students and teachers in alleviating stress

brought by academic demands. By conducting this study, the researchers hope to help medical practitioners take a closer

step in making use of such alternative practices in the future.

Statement of the Problem

The study aimed to find out the perception of Senior High School teachers and students of Montessori De Manila

on the different aromatherapy devices and essential oils.

Research Questions

This study also aimed to answer the following questions:

1. Did Senior High School students and Teachers of Montessori De Manila make use of aromatherapy devices and

essential oils?

2. Which was the preferred essential oil scent of Senior High School students and teachers of Montessori De

Manila?

3. Did Senior High School students and teachers of Montessori De Manila think that aromatherapy devices and

essential oils have a calming effect?

SY 2021 - 22 Page 3 of 7
Hypotheses

General Problem

Null Hypothesis: The Senior High School teacher and student of Montessori De Manila have no opinion on

the different aromatherapy devices and essential oils.

Alternative Hypothesis: The Senior High School teachers and students of Montessori De Manila have

opinions on the different aromatherapy devices and essential oils.

Research Question # 1

Null Hypothesis: The Senior High School teachers and students of Montessori De Manila did not make use

of the different aromatherapy devices and essential oils.

Alternative Hypothesis: The Senior High School teachers and students of Montessori De Manila made use

of different aromatherapy devices and essential oils.

Research Question # 2

Null Hypothesis: The Senior High School teachers and students of Montessori De Manila have no preferred

essential oil scents.

Alternative Hypothesis: The Senior High School teachers and students of Montessori de Manila have a

preferred essential oil scent.

Research Question # 3

Null Hypothesis: The Senior High School teachers and students of Montessori De Manila do not think that

there were calming effects to using aromatherapy devices and essential oils.

Alternative Hypothesis: The Senior High School teachers and students of Montessori De Manila thought

that there were calming effects to using aromatherapy devices and essential oils.

Theoretical / Conceptual Framework

A theory that helped the researchers with this study is the “Theory of Aromatherapy,” which dates back to 3500 BCE

but was officially coined as a term by French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse in 1935. This theory stated that scents

SY 2021 - 22 Page 4 of 7
trigger the olfactory system, which caused a reaction from the body. When the person performs the reaction, it is said to

help the person relax or heal. Through this theory, the researchers found the importance of this study and found out

whether aromatherapy is widely used amongst Senior High School teachers and students of Montessori De Manila to

lessen stress and calm the nerves.

Figure 1

Research Paradigm

Significance of the Study

This study benefitted aromatherapy enthusiasts as this study served as a testimonial that aromatherapy is well

known and commonly practiced amongst people today. It also served as supplementary evidence that aromatherapy reduce

stress and helped calm the nerves. With more research in the future, traditional medical professionals finally opened their

arms to alternative practices, especially for those illnesses that cannot be treated with conventional medicine. Finally, it

also affected the aromatherapy market as this study increased interest in potential consumers.

SY 2021 - 22 Page 5 of 7
Scope and Delimitation

This research was only administered to Senior High School teachers and students of Montessori De Manila in the

academic year 2021-2022. It only covered the perception of the participants on the aromatherapy devices and essential

oils, particularly if the participants made use of them. The researchers settled on both senior high school students and their

teachers with the aim to have a variety in the responses to provide supporting evidence in its use to relieve abundant

amounts of stress. The coverage of the survey contained questions regarding the usage of aromatherapy of the participants,

their preference, and whether or not they recommend it to their peers. The survey was conducted in Google Forms and

ensured anonymity.

Definition of Terms

1. Aromatherapy - a holistic healing treatment that promotes health and well-being by using natural plant extracts.

2. Aromatherapy device - devices used to disperse essential oils.

3. Aromatherapists - alternative healers who utilize essential oils to help people feel better.

4. Diffuser - device that disperses essential oils into the air.

5. Scented Candle - made with fragrant oils mixed into the wax which gives off a pleasant aroma when burning.

6. Incense - Sticks made of plant-based materials that are lit up to diffuse essential oils

7. International Standards Organization or the ISO - non-governmental organization that develop and publish

International Standards

8. Essential Oil- a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile chemical components from plants.

9. Lemon- type of essential oil made from the lemon extracts

10. Lavender - type of essential oil made from lavender extracts

11. Chamomile- type of essential oil made from chamomile extracts

12. Calming- tranquil and quiet; soothe.

13. Volatile - easily evaporated at normal temperatures.

SY 2021 - 22 Page 6 of 7
 References

About us. (n.d.). ISO. https://www.iso.org/about-us.html

Aromatherapy Market Size | Industry Report, 2021–2028. (n.d.). Grand View Research.

https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/aromatherapy-market

Brossard, F. (2020, December 21). A brief history of aromatherapy. Puressentiel.

https://uk.puressentiel.com/blogs/our-tips/a-brief-history-of-aromatherapy

Brazier, Y. (2017, March 20). Aromatherapy: What you need to know. Medical News Today.

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/10884#essential_oils

Fortune Business Insights. (2019, August 2). Essential Oils Market to Rise at 9.65% CAGR, Young Living’s Expansion to

Southeast Asia to Give Tailwinds to Growth: Fortune Business Insights. GlobeNewswireNewsRoom.

https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2019/08/02/1896374/0/en/Essential-Oils-Market-to-Rise-at-9-65-C

AGR-Young-Living-s-Expansion-to-Southeast-Asia-to-Give-Tailwinds-to-Growth-Fortune-Business-Insights.htm

Holland, K. (2020, March 6). Can I Use Essential Oils to Treat My Asthma Symptoms? Healthline.

https://www.healthline.com/health/asthma/essential-oils-for-asthma

N. (2019c, November 17). Essential oil company enters the Philippines. BusinessWorld Online.

https://www.bworldonline.com/essential-oil-company-enters-the-philippines/

S. (2015, July 9). The Science Behind Aromatherapy. Burke Williams. Retrieved October 21, 2021, from

https://www.burkewilliams.com/blog/2015/07/09/the-science-behind-aromatherapy

What are Aromatics? (n.d.). Aromatics Online.

https://www.aromaticsonline.eu/aromatics/

SY 2021 - 22 Page 7 of 7