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What is Disgust?

Understanding Disgust

Disgust: a strong dislike to disapproval triggered by a feeling that something is toxic

Disgust, an instinctive emotion, is a strong dislike to disapproval triggered by a feeling that something is toxic. It can be activated by physical (smell, taste, touch) or mental (socio-moral) cues, regulates risk from pathogens, sexual or moral behaviour.  There are three types of disgust:  ‘Pathogen disgust’ ,  ‘Sexual disgust’ and ‘moral or socio-moral disgust’. 

 

Is disgust a moral emotion? 

When you instinctively feel repelled by someone, this can be a moral emotion. With regards to norm-violating individuals, such as child abusers, rapists, racists, criminals, the emotional reaction of moral disgust is clear and universal. Some social relationships may arouse disgust in you. There is always a subjective element to an instinctive emotion, and how you react to an individual is filtered through your soul, that part of you that is unique based on your beliefs, experiences and character. 

 

Why does the thought of food disgust you? 

Disgust is an instinctive emotion with a subjective element, you may simply find some foods disgusting as a matter of personal taste. Culture and your social norms will influence your reactions to food. You may be feeling a ‘moral disgust’ towards food after having indulged. If you feel that you are ‘off balance’ or have a difficult relationship with food, you should consult a professional. 

 

What influences how people see something as disgusting? 

There is a subjective element to all instinctive emotions, filtered through your soul, that part of you that is unique, based on your beliefs, experience and character. This will influence whether you see something as disgusting.  Disgust also changes with age. A teenager may find a messy room and dirty plates as much less disgusting than an adult.

 

Disgust: a strong dislike  triggered by a feeling that something is toxic.

The emotion disgust, activated by physical (smell, taste, touch) or mental (socio-moral) cues, regulates risk from pathogens, sexual or moral behaviour and causes a body reaction of nausea, gagging, a bad taste your mouth, vomiting or physically recoiling or running away from the object of disgust.

For more information about Disgust you might be interested in these other articles:

What is Disgust? Understanding Disgust / Disgust Explained?

How does your body react to Disgust?

How does your mind react to Disgust?

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