Feature: The psychology of disgust
Does Professor Thomas Armstrong’s research into the psychology of disgust hold the key to more effective treatments for anxiety disorders?
Two contrasting images appear on a computer screen in Assistant Professor of Psychology Thomas Armstrong’s lab. After several seconds, they disappear, to be replaced by a new pair. Participants in this experiment see one “disgusting” object—a rotting apple, a blood-spattered sink—and one “neutral” counterpart—a wall clock or a coat hook. A small device attached to the computer tracks their eye movements, allowing Armstrong to determine what people do when they see something disgusting—look at it, or avert their gaze.
Photo: Matt Z. Banderas
