Prejudice is an emotion-specific phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of predictors. In this paper, we looked at interoceptive sensitivity (IS) as a potential determinant of prejudice through...Show morePrejudice is an emotion-specific phenomenon that is influenced by a variety of predictors. In this paper, we looked at interoceptive sensitivity (IS) as a potential determinant of prejudice through emotional sensitivity, especially disgust. We had five hypotheses including the last one being exploratory. (1) Higher IS would lead to higher prejudice. (2) Greater IS would lead to higher disgust sensitivity (DS). (3) Greater DS would lead to higher prejudice. (4) Greater IS would lead to increased prejudice through increased DS. (5) Higher IS would lead to increased prejudice through different emotional sensitives (fear, anger, disgust). IS was measured using a heartbeat detection task and other variables were measured using questionnaires. Regression analysis was used to analyze the results. As part of the exploratory analysis, principal component analysis was used to identify potential prejudice subscales. Findings showed all the hypotheses to be insignificant. The key finding of exploratory analysis is that IS was not significantly related to any of the emotion specific prejudice measures. Main limitations were the sample size and its characteristics. In the future, complex emotions could be examined within this analysis and disgust could be manipulated to see if prejudice towards disgust eliciting groups change.Show less
In 2019, the contagious virus Covid-19 caused the World Health Organization to declare the outbreak of a pandemic, leading to various new challenges for the mental health field. The present study...Show moreIn 2019, the contagious virus Covid-19 caused the World Health Organization to declare the outbreak of a pandemic, leading to various new challenges for the mental health field. The present study investigated the potential role of experienced Covid-19 traumatic stress on the relationship between disgust sensitivity and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) tendencies. Previous research indicates an association between higher disgust sensitivity levels and higher fear of contamination and hand-washing compulsions (subdomains of OCD). To investigate a potential moderation effect on this association, 183 respondents were recruited through Leiden University research participation recruitment platform i.e., SONA and through a convenience sample via social media platforms. In line with previous findings, the results showed that respondents who indicated higher levels of disgust sensitivity also reported higher OCD tendencies. Further, individuals who experienced the Covid-19 outbreak as more traumatic displayed higher OCD tendencies. However, a significant moderation of Covid-19 traumatic stress on the relationship between disgust sensitivity and OCD tendencies was not found. Nevertheless, this study provides support for previous research and indicated a significant relationship between disgust sensitivity and OCD tendencies. Additionally, it contributes to further research by introducing traumatic stress as a new variable on this association. Moreover, the findings of this study hopefully encourage further research on the association of Covid-19 traumatic stress on the development of a variety of mental health problems and help to underline the importance of looking at the consequences of the pandemic not only in terms of physical health but also in terms of mental health.Show less
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019 led to mass panic about its potential implications on global health. Research into previous pandemics such as swine flu, Ebola, and severe acute...Show moreThe outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2019 led to mass panic about its potential implications on global health. Research into previous pandemics such as swine flu, Ebola, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) have acknowledged the fear and development of mental health disorders. Especially anxiety concerning obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), specifically contamination-based OCD, can be heightened during these times of health crises. Disgust sensitivity (DS) is a core elicitor in OCD symptomatology and can exacerbate pre-existing tendencies. Two hypotheses were proposed for this study investigating whether those with high levels of disgust sensitivity and high levels of obsessive-compulsive tendencies had increased levels of (1) Covid-19 stress and anxiety and (2) Covid-19 danger and contamination fears. A convenience sample of 184 respondents participated through an online survey including questionnaires such as the Disgust scale revised (DS-R), the Padua inventory, and the Covid-19 stress scale (CSS). Both hypotheses were confirmed as the results indicated a significant moderation effect of obsessive compulsive tendencies on the relationship between DS and CSS as well as for DS and Covid danger and contamination fears subscale of the CSS. This research can inform and contribute to the existing literature on stress regarding health pandemics and how OC tendencies can elevate it. Recommendations for the prevention of exacerbating pre-existing tendencies include giving effective education and coping mechanisms to educate individuals on how to help reduce stress and anxiety in the face of future world health crises.Show less
Background. The outbreak of COVID-19 at the end of 2019 has led to a rise in xenophobic attitudes – a fear that foreigners may be the source of the virus. One important mechanism involved in the...Show moreBackground. The outbreak of COVID-19 at the end of 2019 has led to a rise in xenophobic attitudes – a fear that foreigners may be the source of the virus. One important mechanism involved in the rise of xenophobic attitudes is the behavioural immune system, an evolutionary addition to our physiological immune system which helps us to proactively avoid sources of disease. This system mainly works via the emotion disgust and has been found to be influenced by one’s perceived vulnerability to disease. The present study investigated whether perceived vulnerability to disease moderates the association between disgust sensitivity and COVID-19 related xenophobic attitudes. Methods. The research question was investigated by administering three questionnaires to a convenience sample as part of a bigger online survey. Results. While disgust sensitivity was associated with xenophobic attitudes, perceived vulnerability to disease was not associated with xenophobic attitudes and also did not moderate the association between the other two variables (perceived infectibility*disgust sensitivity: b = , t = 1.23, with p = .219). Discussion. The non-significant moderation may be the result of habituation. While the behavioural immune system may respond particularly strong in a context where vulnerability to disease is high, this may change if a disease context is present for too long. In that case, the behavioural immune system may become habituated to the situation and may therefore no longer be influenced by one’s perceived vulnerability to disease. Accordingly, the present study adds a nuance to the existing literature on the behavioural immune system.Show less
