Disgust Research

The Science of Disgust

Disgust is the Queen of emotions; probably the most underrated one, but a Queen nonetheless. It is far too easy to overlook something and play it off as it being revolting (or too disgusting); however, ever stopped and thought why? Why am I disgusted at that?
The natural feelings of disgust are often insusceptible to rationality, and for a logical reason too. From an evolutionary standpoint, disgust is a highly adaptive, life- saving reaction that protects us. Certain objects that we find are instinctively gross because they can seriously harm us. For instance, you would probably take a couple of steps back when you see someone coughing. And if one were to ask why you did that, your reply might be “I don’t want to

In the journal Judgement and Decision Making; Paul Rozin along with his colleagues (Carol Nemeroff, and Paul Slovic) implemented a series of studies covering about two thousand American adults and college students. In one study, it was discovered that people were disinclined to consume a favourite beverage when a completely sterilized cockroach was dipped into it. Rationally, they were aware of the fact that the drink was safe; however, couldn’t seem to cross over the hurdle of a cockroach being dipped in their drink. In another experiment, students were provided with chocolate that had been sculpted to look like poop. Again, realistically, they were aware of the fact that it would still taste like regular chocolate. Nonetheless, its appearance was something they couldn’t overlook. Can this mean that disgust is a commutative feeling? Absolutely! If something that we perceive to be disgusting comes in contact with another object or, like the case of the second experiment, identifies to be an object we find revolting, we will usually perceive the succeeding object/objects to be disgusting

However, it is also important to notice that something that drives one away from it, in a different culture, can drive one towards it. Let’s take into consideration the most differentiating food of all: insects. Tempura- fried crickets or mealworm tacos may not sound enticing to one, however, it may sound delicious to another. Insect consumption is a usual practice that almost two billion people around the world participate in. Insect- delicacies are considered to be highly nutritious, environmentally friendly, tasty, and safe for consumption. However, in cultures where bugs are seen as a source of fear, it hardly seems convincing that they would consider serving it on they’re China plates. The polarizing effect food has on societies demonstrates a very important point in the emotion we face towards disgust: its reaction is not based on taste. So it only makes sense that the aversion must be psychological in origin. Imagine taking a bite out of mealworm taco, surely your brain may not be able to shake the feeling of pure disgust when thinking about what it is made of—when generally you wouldn’t want to be close to one, at