Disgust Sensitivity Test

The IDRlabs General Disgust Test (IDR-GDT) was developed by IDRlabs. The IDR-GDT is based on the work of Dr. Jonathan Haidt, Dr. Clark McCauley, and Dr. Paul Rozin, who created the Disgust Scale (DS). The IDR-GDT is not associated with any specific researchers in the field of personality psychology or any affiliated research institutions.

The IDRlabs General Disgust Test was informed by the DS, as published in Haidt, J., McCauley, C., & Rozin, P. (1994). Individual differences in sensitivity to disgust: A scale sampling seven domains of disgust elicitors. Personality and Individual Differences, 16, 701–713; Olatunji, B., Tolin, D., Sawchuk, C., Williams, N., Abramowitz, J., & Elwood, J. (2007). The disgust scale: Item analysis, factor structure, and suggestions for refinement. Psychological Assessment, 19, 3, 281-297; Haidt, J., McCauley, C., & Rozin, P. (2002). The Disgust Scale, Version 2; Haidt, J., Rozin, P., Mccauley, C., & Imada, S. (1997). Body, Psyche, and Culture: The Relationship between Disgust and Morality. Psychology and Developing Societies, 9(1), 107–131;  Bjorklund, F., & Hursti, T. J. (2004). A Swedish translation and validation of the Disgust Scale: A measure of disgust sensitivity. Scandinavian Journal of Psychology, 45, 279 –284.

The work of Dr. Haidt, Dr. McCauley, and Dr. Rozin has also informed some of the diagnostic criteria in the form of the widely used psychological instrument, the DS for clinical use, especially by qualified mental health professionals. The present test is intended for educational purposes only. IDRlabs and the present IDRlabs General Disgust Test are independent of the above researchers, therapists, authors, organizations, or their affiliated institutions.

The test measures disgust triggers such as the following: Body-Envelope Violations denotes sensitivity to mutilation of the body. We are hardwired to be repelled by surgeries, injuries, dismemberment, and bodily insides. From an evolutionary perspective, we have the instinct to protect ourselves by staying away from open sores, avoiding signals of danger such as mutilated bodies, and indications of death or dying. Or: Poor Hygiene is the tendency to feel disgusted by violations of culturally expected hygiene practices. Disgust has been found out to be a basic response to diverse stimuli that may signal uncleanliness, contamination, and the potential for sickness. From an evolutionary perspective, we have the instinct to protect ourselves by staying away from something stinky and by avoiding indications of pathogens.

The General Disgust Test is based on a famous and well-regarded inventory used to measure individual differences in sensitivity to disgust. However, free online tests and quizzes such as this one are solely first takes and cannot provide accurate assessments of your personality. Hence, the test is intended to be used for educational purposes only. A definitive disgust sensitivity assessment can be made only by a qualified mental health professional.

As the publishers of this free online General Disgust Test, which allows you to screen yourself for the indications of sensitivity to various unpleasant situations, we have strived to make the test as reliable and valid as possible by subjecting it to statistical controls and validation. However, free online quizzes such as the present General Disgust Test do not provide professional assessments or recommendations of any kind; the test is provided entirely “as-is.” For more information about any of our online tests and quizzes, please consult our Terms of Service.