From rotten food to political opponents: Researchers explore how disgust relates to our beliefs — and why the connection is complicated

Some studies have linked disgust sensitivity to socially conservative attitudes. But ahead of the US midterm elections , does disgust shape our politics, or do our beliefs shape what we find disgusting? The smell of rotten food can make us recoil. Certain sexual practices can provoke a similar reaction. And in today's polarized political climate , even political opponents can become objects of disgust. Psychologists have long investigated whether sensitivity to disgust helps explain political beliefs. A review of 24 studies found that people who reported being more easily disgusted tended to hold more socially conservative views.