disgusts

Disgust is a basic, aversive emotion that motivates avoidance of stimuli perceived as contaminated, dangerous, or otherwise harmful. In many theories it is subdivided into core disgust (spoiled food, bodily wastes, decay), animal-reminder disgust (reminders of animality, mortality, and the body), and contamination disgust (perceived spread of threats through contact). Some researchers also describe moral disgust as related, though it is often treated as a distinct domain.

Evolutionary function: Disgust likely evolved to reduce disease risk by promoting avoidance of potentially contaminated substances. It appears across cultures, but the specific triggers vary with environment, diet, and social norms, reflecting adaptation to local health risks and cultural practices.

Neuroscience and physiology: Disgust engages a neural network that includes the insular cortex and related frontal and subcortical regions. It is frequently accompanied by autonomic signs such as facial grimacing, nausea, and a gag reflex, though the experience is also shaped by cognitive appraisal and context.

Assessment and variation: Researchers measure disgust using scales that assess disgust propensity and sensitivity, such as the Disgust Scale and the Disgust Scale-Revised. A three-domain framework—core, animal-reminder, and contamination disgust—helps explain differences in food choices, moral judgments, and health-related behaviors.

Clinical relevance: Heightened disgust sensitivity is linked to certain anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders, especially contamination-related fears. Disgust can influence social stigma and moral condemnation. Treatments for disgust-related avoidance often involve exposure-based and cognitive-behavioral approaches, aiming to reduce avoidance while addressing underlying beliefs.