Indirect Assessment of Implicit Disgust Sensitivity

Abstract

We propose a single-block, single-target, Implicit Association Test (SB-ST-IAT) for measuring implicit disgust sensitivity. Based on dual process theories, we tested the construct validity of this new measure using a sample of N = 75 participants. Incremental validity of the newly developed SB-ST-IAT was demonstrated using a disgust sensitivity questionnaire as a direct measure of disgust sensitivity, as well as two behavioral criteria. A controlled approach versus avoidance task with disgusting stimuli (worms) was employed as a measure of controlled behavior. Facial disgust expression and withdrawal of hands and upper body from the disgust stimuli were used as indicators of automatic behavior. Implications of our research for the validation of indirect measures are discussed.

Feeling Happy and Sad at the Same Time? Subcultural Differences in Experiencing Mixed Emotions between Han Chinese and Mongolian Chinese

“…When using standard IAT, researchers need to have psychological contrasts between the two target categories and the two attribute categories (Zinkernagel et al, 2011). In many applications, psychological contrasts exist.…”

“…Single Category Implicit Association Test is a modified version of the IAT that eliminates the need for the second contrast category (Zinkernagel et al, 2011). For example, SC-IAT has a target concept sharing a response key with positive evaluation in one of the blocks (e.g., happiness and positive versus negative), but with negative evaluation in the other (e.g., positive versus happiness and negative).…”

“…For example, SC-IAT has a target concept sharing a response key with positive evaluation in one of the blocks (e.g., happiness and positive versus negative), but with negative evaluation in the other (e.g., positive versus happiness and negative). It is proved to be reliable and valid to examine evaluative associations with a single attitude object in many social cognition domains (Siebler et al, 2010; Zinkernagel et al, 2011). Also, its implications in assessing implicit attitudes toward emotions is drawing attention recently (e.g., approach or avoidance attitudes toward fearful emotion, Hammer and Marsh, 2015).…”

Developing an implicit measure of disgust propensity and disgust sensitivity: Examining the role of implicit disgust propensity and sensitivity in obsessive-compulsive tendencies

“…The Implicit Association Test (IAT) has been utilized to measure general disgust in relation to spider and snake fear and general disgust (e.g., Teachman, Gregg, & Woody, 2001, Huijding & de Jong, 2007Zinkernagel, Hofman, Dislich, Gschwendner, & Schmitt, 2011). Critically, the stimuli used in these studies (e.g., disgusting, gross, repulsive, dirty) made it likely that the IATs were targeting primary disgust reactions e that is, disgust propensity.…”

On the Road to the Unconscious Self: Understanding when People Gain Self–knowledge of Implicit Disgust Sensitivity from Behavioural Cues

“…Therefore, the motivation to report disgust should be only minimally affected by a self‐serving bias because the emotional reaction is based on a socially shared factor. The emotion of disgust also meets the rather practical prerequisites for re‐investigating the self‐perception hypothesis: Explicit disgust sensitivity has been assessed successfully by self‐report questionnaires (e.g. Haidt, McCauley, & Rozin, ), and implicit disgust sensitivity has been successfully assessed by indirect measurement procedures (Teachman & Woody, ; Zinkernagel, Hofmann, Dislich, Gschwendner, & Schmitt, ). Cues of controllable behaviour have been proposed by Rozin, Haidt, McCauley, Dunlop, and Ashmore ().…”