The Emotions Library project is a collection of stories about the emotion(s) we experience. Stories bring meaning and clarity, helping us understand our emotions better. We do this so everyone can access knowledge, gain emotional literacy, and develop self-awareness.
Experiencing disgust is our body’s way of telling us when something isn’t right. It’s like an internal alarm that signals when something feels unsafe, unhealthy, or just off. Whether it’s the bad smell of rotten food or feeling unease toward someone’s actions, disgust helps us protect ourselves from harm. It’s not just about avoiding physical discomfort; it’s also about preserving our emotional well-being and staying true to our values.
When we feel disgusted, it’s an opportunity to reflect on what’s bothering us, why it’s affecting us, and how we can create space between ourselves and whatever feels harmful. Disgust teaches us to honor our boundaries, trust our instincts, and take action to keep ourselves safe and aligned with what matters to us.
Story: Feeling a strong aversion to something unpleasant or offensive.
Impulse: Avoid or express revulsion.
Etymology: From Latin disgustare, meaning to find distasteful.
Purpose: Protects from harmful experiences or environments.
Emotional Regulation and Journaling
In partnership with Calm3D, we provide a safe space for self-regulation, to feel peace, safety and security. At the same time, reflect on your own emotional experience and experience your disgusted story.
Visit www.playcalm3d.com as you reflect and experience peace as you contemplate the emotions within you.
Reflective Questions
1. What is causing this feeling of disgust?
2. How can you distance yourself from what’s unpleasant?
3. What can you do to restore emotional balance?
Feeling a Strong Aversion to Something Unpleasant or Offensive
Sheryl sat in the small, bustling café, her fingers wrapped around a warm cup of coffee. She'd been having a quiet morning, enjoying the soft hum of conversation around her and the smell of fresh pastries. But then, the door swung open, and in walked Darren, the owner of a nearby thrift store. She had always avoided him—there was something about the way he spoke, the way his eyes lingered just a bit too long on people that unsettled her.
As he approached the counter to order, Sheryl tried to look away, but her eyes caught something she could never unsee. Darren turned to greet the barista, his hand reaching up to his unkempt beard. And then, without warning, he scratched his nose and wiped his fingers through his hair. Sheryl’s stomach turned.
It wasn’t just the act itself—it was the disregard for basic hygiene, the casualness with which he treated the most basic social norms. She could almost feel the invisible cloud of germs that seemed to follow him.
Her heart began to race as disgust surged up from her gut, and she could feel her face flush with the urge to recoil. Sheryl wanted to leave, to remove herself from the situation, but she felt trapped in her seat. His presence, now looming just across the room, had infected her sense of peace. She pushed her coffee aside, unable to even look at it, imagining that the same hands which had touched his unwashed beard might have touched the mug she had just been holding.
The Impulse of Disgust: The Need to Avoid
When we experience disgust, our instinct is often to recoil or avoid the object of our discomfort. This is not just an emotional reaction; it’s a survival mechanism deeply embedded in human nature. From an evolutionary standpoint, disgust helps protect us from harmful or toxic substances, dangerous environments, and situations that could lead to illness or injury. When you feel disgusted, your body and mind signal that something is unsafe or detrimental.
Think about the last time you encountered something that made you feel disgusted. It could have been something as simple as spoiled food, or something deeper, like an unethical action. The impulse is the same—to get away from whatever triggers that reaction, to shield yourself from harm. For Sheryl, the instinct was clear: remove herself from the situation.
Sheryl tried to calm herself, taking deep breaths. It’s just a feeling, she reminded herself. It’s not worth getting worked up over. But it wasn’t just the physical revulsion that made her uneasy; it was the deeper sense of moral disgust that followed. She thought of the way Darren treated his customers at the thrift store—always a little too friendly, a little too close, never respecting personal boundaries. The way he’d comment on people’s appearances, or worse, their lives as if they were something to be criticized.
The disgust she felt wasn’t just about germs—it was a clash of values, of boundaries. It was about the unspoken sense that something was wrong, that someone had crossed a line in how they treated others, in how they presented themselves. And in that moment, Sheryl realized she didn’t just want to escape the café; she wanted to escape the source of her discomfort altogether.
The Origins of ‘Disgust’
The word “disgust” comes from the Latin disgustare, meaning "to find distasteful." This roots the emotion in the very act of rejection, suggesting that disgust isn’t just a random feeling, but rather a learned response designed to safeguard our well-being. Whether it’s physical or moral disgust, the emotional drive is the same: to protect.
Historically, disgust was often tied to issues of cleanliness, health, and survival. It’s no wonder that we feel revolted by decay or contamination—our ancestors had to avoid those things to survive. For Sheryl, disgust was her mind and body signaling her need to distance herself from something toxic—both physically (in the sense of hygiene) and morally (due to Darren’s unsettling behavior).
As Darren sat at a nearby table with his coffee, his eyes flickering to her, Sheryl could feel the weight of his gaze even though she avoided meeting his. The disgust built inside her until it almost felt unbearable. The impulse to say something—to speak out, to demand better behavior—lingered at the edges of her mind, but she knew it wouldn’t be easy. He was known for being unpredictable and defensive.
It’s just not worth it, she thought, her pulse still quickening. Instead of confronting him, Sheryl decided to leave. She grabbed her bag and stood up, her chair scraping against the floor. It was a small act of rebellion, but it felt empowering. The disgust wasn’t just a signal to remove herself from the situation—it was a reminder that she had the right to protect her emotional space, her boundaries. She didn’t have to tolerate discomfort, especially when it came from someone who disregarded the basic decency she held dear.
The Purpose of Disgust: Protection and Awareness
At its core, disgust is a protective mechanism. It helps us identify and avoid potential dangers, both physical and psychological. Think about how we instinctively turn away from rotten food. Our gut reaction is to push away what’s harmful, and that’s exactly the role that disgust plays in our lives. It keeps us safe.
However, not all instances of disgust are as straightforward as avoiding spoiled food. Some instances—such as moral or social disgust—are more complex. For example, when we are disgusted by unethical behavior or harmful ideologies, it can be a call for justice or a reminder of our values. This form of disgust can push us to take action, advocate for change, or distance ourselves from toxic situations. Sheryl’s decision to leave the café was not just about avoiding discomfort; it was an act of self-preservation and a step toward protecting her emotional well-being.
As she stepped out of the café, the cool air of the morning hit her face, and she felt a small, quiet relief. The disgust still lingered, but it was manageable now. It was a feeling she knew she could process, reflect on, and learn from. Her emotional space was hers to protect, and in that moment, Sheryl understood that disgust wasn’t just a reaction—it was a signal, a tool for her to preserve her sense of peace and integrity.
Emotional Literacy: Understanding and Navigating Disgust
Emotional literacy—the ability to recognize, understand, and manage your emotions—is key to navigating complex feelings like disgust healthily and constructively. Many of us have been conditioned to either ignore or suppress uncomfortable emotions, but emotional literacy allows us to acknowledge these feelings, reflect on their causes, and respond thoughtfully. Disgust, like all emotions, is a tool that can be used for personal growth if we take the time to explore it.
Sheryl had to practice emotional literacy in that moment, recognizing the disgust and understanding it as a response not just to physical discomfort, but also to a deeper, moral conflict. By acknowledging the feeling, Sheryl was able to make a conscious decision about how to protect herself and her values, demonstrating the power of emotional awareness and self-care.
Reflective Questions
What is causing this feeling of disgust?
Understanding the source of your disgust is the first step in processing it. Is it something physical—like a foul odor or an unpleasant sight? Or is it more deeply rooted, like a moral or social issue that conflicts with your values? Recognizing the cause can help you determine the appropriate response.
How can you distance yourself from what’s unpleasant?
Once you’ve identified the source of your disgust, it’s important to figure out how to distance yourself from it. Whether it’s physically removing yourself from a situation, setting boundaries with others, or processing your feelings internally, finding a way to detach from what’s unpleasant is essential for emotional balance.
What can you do to restore emotional balance?
After experiencing disgust, it’s crucial to restore your emotional equilibrium. This might involve self-care practices like mindfulness, deep breathing, or talking to a trusted friend or therapist. It's also important to acknowledge that some forms of disgust—especially moral disgust—may require action, such as speaking out or making changes in your life.
What triggers disgust for you most often? Do you find it more challenging to deal with physical or moral disgust? How do you typically respond to it?
Final Thoughts
If Sheryl’s experience of feeling disgusted resonates with you, it may be a signal to reflect more deeply on the sources of that discomfort and how it’s affecting you emotionally. Disgust often arises when something feels morally wrong, physically off-putting, or misaligned with our values, leaving us with a strong urge to distance ourselves. While it’s natural to recoil or feel unsettled at the moment, letting disgust linger without processing it can keep us stuck in negative feelings, making it harder to regain balance or move forward.
However, this powerful emotion doesn’t have to control us. It can be an invitation to pause, understand the root of the feeling, and take deliberate steps to protect your emotional boundaries. By acknowledging what’s causing the disgust, reflecting on your values, and setting boundaries, you can turn the feeling into an opportunity for clarity and self-care.
Tools like Emoli Cards can support you in identifying and expressing the layers of disgust, helping you navigate this intense emotion with greater understanding. Connecting with your feelings visually can help you pinpoint the source of your discomfort, whether it's physical, moral, or psychological, and begin to process it with intention.
If you’d like more personalized support, consider booking an Emotions-Based Coaching session to explore how emotional awareness and self-compassion can help you process disgust. By tuning into your emotions, you’ll gain the insight to restore emotional balance and take empowered steps toward feeling more grounded and in control.
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