The development and initial findings of a DISGUST scale
Tobias Herzl1, Jürgen Fuchshuber2,3,4, Sarah Straßnig1
1Institute of Psychology, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Frontiers in Human Neuroscience
|July 31, 2025
Summary
This study developed and validated a new scale to measure disgust as a primary emotion. Findings show disgust is linked to neuroticism, impacting personality and psychopathology.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Emotion Research
- Personality Psychology
Background:
- Disgust is a fundamental emotion crucial for survival.
- Its classification as a primary emotion is still debated in psychological research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a questionnaire for assessing disgust as a primary emotion.
- To examine the relationship between disgust, personality traits, and psychopathology.
Main Methods:
- A total of 482 German-speaking participants completed an online survey.
- Principal component analysis (PCA) and confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) were used for scale development and validation.
- Correlations and hierarchical regressions analyzed associations with personality traits and psychiatric symptoms.
Main Results:
- Two validated unidimensional models (DISGUST-8 and DISGUST-5) demonstrated excellent model fit and high internal consistency.
- Trait disgust showed significant positive correlations with neuroticism and anxiety.
- Disgust was confirmed as a significant predictor of neuroticism.
Conclusions:
- The developed disgust scale reliably measures the emotion and highlights its role in personality and psychopathology.
- Disgust is associated with neuroticism, suggesting implications for understanding psychological conditions.
- Future research should focus on cross-cultural validation and clinical applications of the scale.
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