This episode of Speaking of Psychology interviews Dr. Paul Rozin, an expert on the psychology of disgust, exploring its origins, development, and cultural variations. The discussion covers the innate versus learned aspects of disgust, its role in food choices and cultural differences in food preferences (e.g., the acceptance of smelly cheese in some cultures), and the connection between disgust and morality. Dr. Rozin highlights that disgust is not innate but develops around ages 3-5, often linked to toilet training, and that while feces is universally disgusting, other things are culturally determined. Understanding disgust, the interview suggests, is crucial for addressing public health challenges like water recycling and promoting sustainable food sources like insects.
