There's a new breed of behavioral scientists currently doing the rounds in the realms of scientific research. Amidst studies being conducted and seminars being attended, these brave folk are embracing a novel and preposterous theory. This theory propounds the idea that man's tendency to be disgusted by certain things has helped him develop into the social and ethical person he is today. Disgust research as it is being called is all about valuing the emotion of disgust for its ability to protect people from disease, harm, and danger.
Unashamedly known as disgustologists (yes, really!), these psychologists and scientists, proclaim that not only does disgust make you feel sick to your stomach; it is also the guiding force behind your choice of what and who you avoid. According to their research, disgust is what helps you maintain a certain level of hygiene - prompting you to wash your hands, clean your teeth and bathe often and thereby remain healthy. Disgust also rules your choices about the people you get close to and of course the ones you mate with. After all, if you view an immoral or unhygienic person as disgusting, the odds are that you are not getting too close to them anytime soon.
Experts in the field believe that disgust has been a ruling emotion ever since the human race began. It's what prevented Stone Age man from eating bad things and helped him avoid insects and animals that were disease ridden. These in turn, prevented him from jeopardizing his own health and causing any further damage. Ask yourself the simple question - would you eat something that looked icky or nauseous? Well, apart from those few brave souls out there (on Fear Factor and the Guinness Book), odds are that you wouldn't. Moreover, the greater odds are that those icky and sickly items probably aren't very good for you or your health in the first place. So, you can thank your internal disgust meter for saving the day once again. One more point for disgust research say the scientists as they high five each other over their notes.
And when it comes to harnessing the power of disgust, nothing proves this point as much as the latest disgust-inspired anti-smoking advertising campaigns. Splashing cigarette packets with upsetting images of cancerous lungs, rotting teeth or dying patients has effectively reduced the consumption of tobacco and tobacco products. Another area that proves their point, nod the disgustologists knowingly. It looks like their theory may have some backing after all.
While disgust seems to be the watchword for the season, like most other psychological and behavioral research, there needs to be a lot more research for any definite conclusions to be reached. Just as several experts and scientists jump on the disgustology bandwagon, there are as many people (if not more) who heap ridicule on the theory. If this were true they say and disgust really ruled our choices, how does that explain the popularity of television, print and even the social media that floods the world with negative things. Modern celebrity worship today makes heroes out of people who live immoral and even outrageous lives and their popularity seems to only be on the increase. Reality TV shows capitalize on feelings of revulsion and have contestants expose their most pathetic weaknesses and yet we continue to lap it all up eagerly. Even disgustologists can't deny that we love this stuff and we just want more and more.
And isn't the theory of disgustology way too negative in the first place? According to a number of spiritual leaders, having a disgust theory to fall back on only makes it easier for people to justify their distaste and uphold their choices, including prejudices and discrimination. Whatever happened to good intentions and positive emotions they implore? If disgust is really the overriding factor in our lives, isn't it time we made some serious changes rather than hide behind an archaic cave man approach to everything? In the end, how much of this theory you accept depends upon your outlook on life. Whether you see the glass as half full or half empty… or just too dirty to even drink from!
Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.