Disgust Sensitivity Test

Unusual/Unclean Food denotes the tendency to experience repulsion at food that has spoiled, is culturally unacceptable, or has been fouled in some way. People high in this trait are easily disgusted when their food is not pristine, familiar, or culturally traditional. From an evolutionary perspective, this type of disgust is thought to protect us from toxins or bacteria entering our bodies through our food.

Animal Contaminants refers to the inclination to feel disgusted around insects and animals that may be perceived as repulsive or dirty. For instance, cockroaches often trigger hardwired disgust reflexes as most people are innately repelled by sights that signal the potential for contamination or disease. In an evolutionary sense, our ancestors likely avoided animals that were likely to carry disease or cause harm.

Body Fluids denotes the tendency to experience disgust with bodily fluids and waste products. Expelled body wastes are common disgust triggers as many of us are hardwired by nature to associate human waste products with contamination. For instance, we know that feces contains harmful bacteria and this is one reason most people have an instinctual urge to avoid it. Moreover, the unpleasant smell of body waste signals may also signal the presence of pathogens in the environment.

Sexual Deviance refers to the sensation of discomfort that may accompany acquaintance with unusual sexual behavior. Most cultures have a series of sexual norms and taboos that, while perhaps not illegal, nevertheless trigger disgust in many people. Disgust with sexual deviance is often reinforced by a person’s religion and politics, but at its root may also serve to avoid problematic mate selections, preventing social rifts, and protecting the disgusted person from disease.

Body Mutilations denotes sensitivity to deformations of the body. We are hardwired to expect the “normal” human body in our surroundings and may therefore instinctively be repelled by surgeries, injuries, dismemberment, and other bodily modifications. Furthermore, from an evolutionary perspective, we have the instinct to stay away from open sores and dismemberments as these may carry the risk of infections.

Poor Hygiene is the tendency to feel disgusted by violations of culturally expected hygiene practices. Disgust has been found to be a basic response to stimuli that signal uncleanliness and are associated with the potential for sickness. From an evolutionary perspective, we have the instinct to protect ourselves by staying away from something smelly or stinky, as these stimuli may indicate the presence of pathogens.

Exposure to Death denotes sensitivity to pathogens associated with dying and death. Most people are hardwired to be repelled by organic decay, dead bodies, and situations that indicate loss of life. From an evolutionary perspective, we have the instinct to protect ourselves by staying away from such pathogens by interpreting them as signs of danger.