Individual Paper(s)
Developing an implicit measure of disgust propensity and disgust sensitivity: Examining the role of implicit disgust- propensity and -sensitivity in obsessive-compulsive tendencies
Emma Nicholson
National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Dermot Barnes-Holmes
National University of Ireland, Maynooth
Background: The unique contributions of disgust -propensity and -sensitivity along
with anxiety need to be established if disgust is to be implicated in the
aetiology of anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Aims: The aim
of the current study was to develop two separate implicit measures of disgust
propensity and sensitivity and to explicate the role of implicit disgust
propensity and sensitivity in avoidance behaviour and OC tendencies.
Method: The current study utilised the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure
(IRAP) to independently analyse disgust propensity and disgust sensitivity.
Additionally, a series of behavioural approach tasks and questionnaires were
implemented to validate the implicit measures.
Results: Disgust sensitivity predicted avoidance behaviour on the BATs independent
of disgust propensity and anxiety, while disgust propensity did not. Both
disgust propensity and sensitivity predicted self-reported OC tendencies and
individually predicted obsessing and washing concerns, respectively.
Conclusions: Overall,
the results support current theories relating to pathological disgust and OCD.
