Crossing the Line and Unmasking Aversion: Breaking Men's Taboo Around Disgust and Transforming It Into Understanding and Growth
- Mark Pitcher
- Apr 4
- 12 min read
Disgust is a quiet force that can dictate how we handle our bodies, our relationships, and even our moral convictions—yet, in conversations about masculinity, it typically lingers on the periphery. Men are often taught to be strong, stoic, and impervious to squeamishness; as a result, the full complexity of disgust is rarely explored. This neglect comes at a cost. Far from being a trivial emotion, disgust is a powerful lens through which we can understand physical self-preservation and deeper psychological and spiritual principles. By "crossing the line" and embracing, rather than dismissing this often-taboo emotion, men can gain a deeper understanding of their boundaries, biases, and opportunities for growth.
Illuminating a Hidden Path to Growth
The purpose of this article is twofold. First, we aim to shed light on how disgust functions—neurologically, biologically, and socially—particularly in the context of modern masculinity. Second, we seek to outline ways to transform disgust from a taboo topic into a catalyst for self-discovery and compassionate engagement with others. By unravelling the complexity of disgust, men can learn to harness its boundary-defining power and, in the process, craft a more nuanced and positive masculinity. We will explore disgust, from its evolutionary function and cultural shaping to its implications for physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. We'll also introduce practical exercises encouraging self-reflection, prompting men to question their instinctive reactions and move toward a more empathetic and inclusive form of masculinity. Above all, we seek not only to normalize discussions of disgust but also to inspire men to view this emotion as a doorway to greater emotional intelligence and integrity.
Disgust as the Overlooked Gatekeeper of Human Experience
If you ask a group of men to list the strongest emotions they experience, common answers might include anger, frustration, or—on the other side of the spectrum—love. Disgust, however, often fails to come up. This omission reflects a broader cultural narrative: Men are socially rewarded for being "fearless," at least in outward appearance, which includes minimizing or concealing their aversions (Ferré et al., 2018). Consequently, many men go through life without conscious awareness of how disgust underpins daily decision-making, from food choices to moral stances.
Yet, the power of disgust should not be underestimated. Evolutionarily, it protects us from disease and contamination by sharpening our ability to detect potentially harmful substances or situations (Curtis, 2013). Morally, it guides us toward concepts of purity and impurity, underscoring social, ethical, or spiritual violations we deem intolerable (Haidt, 2012). Spiritually, it can illuminate our deeper belief systems as a barometer for integrity or hypocrisy.
Defining Disgust and Its Role in Human Behavior
The Evolutionary Origins of Disgust
Charles Darwin (1872) famously described disgust as one of the fundamental human emotions, characterizing it as an instinctive recoil from anything perceived as offensive or contagious. While we might think of maggot-infested food or foul odours as primary disgust triggers, these reactions originally served a critical survival function—helping humans avoid pathogens and toxins that could be fatal (Curtis, 2013). Through countless generations, those who heeded their disgust signals were more likely to prevent contamination, increasing their chances of survival (Rozin et al., 2016).
The Intersection of Social and Moral Codes
Over time, physical disgust has evolved into moral disgust—a reaction to perceived violations that extend beyond physical harm (Chapman et al., 2009). For instance, one might feel moral disgust when witnessing deceit or cruelty, often described colloquially as finding an act "repulsive" or "sickening" (Haidt, 2012). This ethical dimension can become entangled with societal norms, shaping how entire communities determine what is considered "clean" or "unclean," who is "in" or who is "out." Men, in particular, may feel pressure to conform to collective standards of purity and impurity lest they risk jeopardizing their social standing (Tybur et al., 2009).
Modern Masculinity and "Subtle Disgust"
In modern contexts, men may experience "subtle disgust" in everyday situations—reacting negatively to certain political ideologies, cultural customs, or personal habits—without always recognizing the emotion as such. This unacknowledged aversion can limit empathy and open-mindedness, reinforcing rigid in-group/out-group thinking (Inbar et al., 2009). By naming and exploring these visceral reactions, men can move away from snap judgments and toward a more deliberate, inclusive perspective.
Biological and Neurological Underpinnings
Inside the Brain: The Insula and Anterior Cingulate Cortex
Neuroscientific research locates disgust primarily in the insula, a region that monitors internal bodily states (Singer et al., 2009). When exposed to disgusting stimuli—physical or conceptual—the insula lights up, signalling a visceral "pull away" response. Meanwhile, the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) helps evaluate the emotional weight of the trigger and coordinates a course of action (Shenhav et al., 2016). This internal alarm system can become muted or distorted for men raised to hide or override emotional discomfort.
Hormonal Factors and Male Aversion
Hormonal interplay also affects men's susceptibility to disgust. Testosterone has been linked to risk-taking and can sometimes correlate with a reduced disgust response, at least behaviorally (Rozin et al., 2016). However, it's crucial to emphasize that hormones are not deterministic: Societal conditioning and personal life experiences also play significant roles in shaping how men perceive and express disgust (Ladd et al., 2007). A firefighter, for example, might have high testosterone levels yet still experience intense (though well-managed) disgust when confronted with certain hazardous or gory scenes, relying on professional training to navigate those reactions.
Cultural Perceptions of Disgust in Masculine Norms
Toughness and the Myth of Invulnerability
From sports locker rooms to corporate boardrooms, a pervasive cultural script teaches men to shrug off discomfort or revulsion. This can be seen in common phrases like "man up" or "no guts, no glory," which implicitly discourage any admission of squeamishness or emotional vulnerability (Ferré et al., 2018). While resilience is vital, the unexamined dismissal of disgust can block men from recognizing critical boundaries or empathizing with others (Connell, 2005).
Collective Policing of Male Disgust
Men's social circles often police expressions of disgust or aversion, framing them as signs of weakness (Reysen et al., 2014). Teasing or ridicule might greet a man who is openly squeamish about specific topics—be it changing a baby's diaper or confronting explicit violence in media. Over time, these dynamic conditions may cause some men to bury their reactions, possibly straining their mental health or narrowing their emotional vocabulary (Levant & Wong, 2017).
Example: The "Tough Guy" in the Garage
Imagine a group of men working in a mechanic's shop. One of them encounters a rat infestation while cleaning out an old storage corner. His instinctual disgust might prompt him to recoil or step back. If his coworkers mock him—"You afraid of a little rat, buddy?"—he may suppress future reactions. Eventually, the physical or moral disgust that once served a protective function becomes dulled. Repeated suppression can lead to ignoring genuine health hazards or moral red flags (Curtis, 2013).
Impact on Physical Health
Psychosomatic Consequences
Disgust isn't just "in the head"—it can elicit tangible bodily responses, such as gagging, nausea, or spikes in heart rate (Herz, 2012). Prolonged exposure to or suppression of disgust can contribute to stress-related conditions as the brain-body connection struggles to process lingering aversion (Russell, 2003). A man who continuously faces disgusting stimuli, whether in an occupational or personal setting, might develop anxiety or insomnia if he lacks strategies to cope constructively.
Hygiene and Wellness
The cultural pressure for men to be "fearless" may prompt some to overlook standard cleanliness practices—such as handwashing, using protective gear, or safe food handling—for fear of appearing finicky (Tybur et al., 2009). Doing so could raise the risk of illnesses, infections, and accidents. Recognizing disgust as a natural cue rather than a sign of weakness can help men adopt better self-care practices. For instance, a contractor might resist wearing a protective face mask in dusty environments due to peer pressure. However, acknowledging a healthy sense of disgust can remind him to preserve his health (Kilmartin, 2015).
Emotional Consequences
Disgust as a Boundary-Definer
An often-overlooked benefit of disgust is its utility as a boundary-setting emotion (Rozin et al., 2016). Imagine a scenario in which a man finds himself repeatedly repulsed by exploitative behaviour at work. He might interpret that disgust as a moral alarm, signalling that something fundamental to his values is being violated. If he numbs himself to that feeling—telling himself to "man up" and accept it—he risks perpetuating an environment that conflicts with his internal moral code (Haidt, 2012). Conversely, he can use disgust as a guide to speak up, enact change, or seek a healthier environment.
The Trap of Self-Disgust
On the flip side, disgust turned inward can be catastrophic. Self-disgust arises when an individual views aspects of their body, mind, or past actions as abhorrent (Baldour and Feldner, 2018). This feeling can spiral into shame, fueling behaviours like disordered eating, substance abuse, or self-imposed isolation (Anderson et al., 2021). For example, a man experiencing body dysmorphia may feel profoundly disgusted by perceived physical flaws, leading him to harsh diets, excessive exercise, or even steroid misuse (Skolnick et al., 2013). Acknowledging self-disgust as an emotional alarm is the first step toward seeking professional support or therapeutic interventions.
Spiritual and Existential Dimensions
Disgust and Moral Conviction
Spiritual traditions worldwide often grapple with notions of purity and impurity (Haidt, 2012). Acts considered unclean or defiling can elicit visceral reactions, such as revulsion at betrayal, cruelty, or sacrilege. Men who invest in spiritual or religious pathways may find that disgust surfaces in response to ethical controversies (Tybur et al., 2009). These responses can serve as moral signposts, guiding men to discern what they reject and why they reject it.
Personal Development Through Reflection
Disgust can compel men to confront hidden biases, shame, or guilt. Perhaps a man is horrified by his past behaviour—lying, cheating, or causing harm to others—and feels morally "polluted." Such self-assessment, while painful, can lead to transformative growth. Through confession, restitution, or mindful introspection, disgust becomes a catalyst for repentance and improved behaviour (Keltner and Haidt, 1999). Far from being an emotion to bury, disgust can illuminate the spiritual path—revealing core beliefs about purity, sin, redemption, and empathy.
Social and Relationship Dynamics
Disgust Toward Others and Its Social Ramifications
No one likes to think of themselves as biased, yet disgust often underlies prejudices—whether directed at certain lifestyles, political ideologies, or physical appearances (Ferré et al., 2018). Men unaware of their disgust triggers may justify snap judgments or discriminatory attitudes as "natural" or "common sense." However, scientific studies indicate that we are more likely to judge harshly when disgusted, reinforcing negative stereotypes about out-groups (Inbar et al., 2009).
Impact on Intimacy and Vulnerability
Disgust can also shape romantic and familial relationships. Men might feel squeamish about bodily fluids, certain acts of intimacy, or the physical changes a partner undergoes (Reysen et al., 2014). Such reactions can foster shame or distance in a relationship if never communicated. On the other hand, sharing aversions and exploring them together can deepen emotional closeness. For instance, a new father who feels uneasy about changing diapers might initially avoid that responsibility; when he chooses to confront and talk through his feelings, he not only grows as a parent but also develops a more authentic bond with his child and partner (Levant & Wong, 2017).
Transforming Disgust: From Taboo to Tool for Growth
Cognitive Restructuring and Exposure Methods
Psychological strategies, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), have been shown to alleviate the distress tied to disgust by helping individuals reframe their interpretations (Anderson et al., 2021). Exposure therapy, in controlled settings, gradually familiarizes a person with disgust triggers, reducing the severity of their reactions over time. For men, such approaches can break the taboo by normalizing dialogue around what they find repulsive and why (Baldour and Feldner, 2018).
Encouraging Introspection and Compassion
Men who regularly self-reflect on their disgust responses gain insights into how these feelings shape judgments, behaviours, and relationships (Singer et al., 2009). Practices such as mindfulness, journaling, or guided meditation can help men distinguish between healthy aversion (protective) and overgeneralized or morally charged disgust
(destructive). Over time, heightened self-awareness fosters compassion for oneself and others, leading to more thoughtful, empathetic responses (Batson, 2011).
Practical Exercises for Awareness and Compassion
1. The Disgust Diary
Description: Keep a daily log of moments when you feel even the slightest discomfort or revulsion. Note the context, your physical sensations, and any immediate judgments.
Aim: This exercise increases awareness of subconscious triggers, helping you distinguish between rational concerns (e.g., food safety) and learned biases or moral snap judgments (Singer et al., 2009).
Benefit: By identifying patterns, you can question and reframe unproductive or prejudicial reactions.
2. Cognitive Reframing Practice
Description: When you sense disgust, pause and ask: "What exactly feels threatening? Is it physical danger, moral disapproval, or a cultural bias?"
Aim: Dissecting disgust helps you understand whether your boundaries are indeed being violated or if you're reacting to unfamiliarity or stigma (Anderson et al., 2021).
Benefit: Over time, this practice builds mental agility and empathy.
3. Controlled Exposure
Description: Gradually expose yourself to mild versions of your disgust triggers in safe environments. This could involve trying a new food texture or respectfully learning about a cultural practice you once found unappetizing.
Aim: To desensitize and replace knee-jerk aversions with informed understanding (Reysen et al., 2014).
Benefit: You expand your comfort zone while developing a greater appreciation for the diversity of human experiences.
4. Guided Visualization
Description: Sit quietly and visualize a scenario that typically induces disgust. Observe bodily sensations, emotions, and memories that arise. Then, imagine offering acceptance and compassion to both yourself and the scenario.
Aim: This fosters the ability to stay grounded even when confronted with strong aversions, thereby reducing emotional reactivity (Kilmartin, 2015).
Benefit: As you build tolerance, you develop more impressive self-regulation skills and an increased capacity for empathy.
Balancing Disgust with Positive Masculine Traits
Modern positive masculinity emphasizes responsibility, empathy, and respect for oneself and others (Connell, 2005; Levant & Wong, 2017). Rather than dismissing disgust altogether, men can channel it ethically:
Responsibility: Use disgust as a signal to address unhealthy or harmful conditions— whether in personal habits or social contexts—rather than ignoring or enabling them.
Empathy: Recognize that your disgust threshold might differ from someone else's. This understanding can reduce judgment and foster more supportive relationships.
Respect: Acknowledge personal boundaries without ridiculing others for theirs. Valuing diversity in tolerance levels can create more inclusive environments.
Acknowledging Disgust for Holistic Growth
Disgust operates at the intersection of biology, morality, culture, and spirituality (Chapman et al., 2009; Tybur et al., 2009). For too long, men have been socialized to view it as a negligible emotion or a weakness that tarnishes their toughness. This article challenges that notion, illustrating how disgust can be harnessed as a key to self-awareness, moral clarity, and interpersonal connection. By making space for this fundamental human emotion, men can develop physical and mental resilience and a more prosperous spiritual and emotional life (Haidt, 2012; Herz, 2012).
A Call to Embrace and Transform
The journey begins with a willingness to confront what is uncomfortable. Identifying disgust triggers, questioning deeply held taboos, and practising mindful engagement are effective means of personal and collective growth. Rather than a sign of weakness, openly examining disgust is a testament to courage and authenticity. It invites men to move beyond the superficial "tough guy" image and step into a form of masculinity that honours complexity, promotes empathy, and thrives on genuine self-discovery.
Ultimately, crossing the line and unmasking aversion is more than "facing your fears." It's about unlocking a richer, more compassionate, and profoundly human way of being—where men can feel, question, and grow.
References
Anderson, Lisa M.; Berg, Hannah; Brown, Tiffany A.; Menzel, Jessie; and Reilly, Erin E. (2021). The Role of Disgust in Eating Disorders. Current Psychiatry Reports 23(2), p.4-4, Article 4.
Badour, Christal L. and Feldner, Matthew T. (2018). The Role of Disgust in Posttraumatic Stress: A Critical Review of the Empirical Literature. Journal of Experimental Psychopathology, 9(3), p. 1-26.
Batson, C. Daniel. (2011). Altruism in Humans. Oxford University Press, ISBN 9780195341065.
Chapman, H. A.; Kim, D. A.; Susskind, J. M.; and Anderson, A. K. (2009). In Bad Taste: Evidence for the Oral Origins of Moral Disgust. Science, 323(5918), 1222—1226
Connell, R. W. (1995). Masculinities. University of California Press, ISBN9780520089990.
Curtis, Valerie. (2013). Don't Look, Don't Touch, Don't Eat: The Science Behind Revulsion. University of Chicago Press, ISBN 978-0226131337.
Darwin, Charles. (1872). The Expression of Emotions in Man and Animals. John Murray, https://darwin-online.org.uk/content/frameset?viewtype=text&itemID=F1142&pageseq=1
Ferré, Pilar; Haro, Juan; and Hinojosa, José Antonio. (2018). Be Aware of the Rifle, but Do Not Forget the Stench: Differential Effects of Fear and Disgust on Lexical Processing and Memory. Cognition and Emotion 32(4) p.796-811.
Haidt, Jonathan. (2012). The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion. Pantheon, ISBN 978-0307377906.
Herz, Rachel S. (2012). That's Disgusting: Unraveling the Mysteries of Repulsion. W. W Norton and Company, ISBN 978-0393076479.
Inbar, Yoel; Pizarro, David A.; and Bloom, Paul. (2009). Conservatives are More Easily Disgusted than Liberals. Cognition and Emotion 23(4), p.714-725.
Keltner, Dacher; and Haidt, Jonathan. (1999). Social Functions of Emotions at Four Levels of Analysis. Cognition and Emotion 13(5), p.505-521.
Kilmartin, Christopher. T. (2015). The Masculine Self. Sloan Publishing, ISBN 9781597380539.
Ladd, Meleah; Ladd, Kevin; Swanson, Ted; Harner, Julie; St. Pierre, Kate; Metz, Tricia; and Trnka, Danielle. (2007). Inward, Outward, Upward Prayer and Big Five Personality Traits. Archive for the Psychology of Religion, 29(1), p. 151-175.
Levant, Ronald. F.; and Wong, Y. Joel (Eds.). (2017). The Psychology of Men and Masculinities. American Psychological Association, ISBN 9781433826900.
Ray, Travis N.; and Parkhill, Michele R. (2020). Examining Disgust and Emotion Regulation Difficulties as Components of Aggression Toward Perceived Gay Men. Psychology of Violence, 10(4), p. 462-471.
Reysen, Stephen; Puryear, Curtis; Katzarska-Miller, Iva; Kamble, Shanmukh V.; and Vithoji, Nandini. (2014). Socio-Structural Intergroup Characteristics and Group-Based Emotions in Three Countries. International Journal of Intercultural Relations 43, p.239-252
Rozin, Paul; Haidt, Jonathan; and McCauley, Clark. (2016). Disgust. In Barrett, Lisa Feldman; Lewis, Michael and Haviland-Jones, Jeannette (Eds.), Handbook of Emotions (4th ed., p. 815-834). Guilford Press, ISBN.
Russell, James A. (2003). Core Affect and the Psychological Construction of Emotion. Psychological Review, 110(1), p. 145-172.
Shenhav, Amitai; Cohen, Jonathan D.; and Botvinick, Matthew M. (2016). Dorsal Anterior Cingulate Cortex and the Value of Control. Nature Neuroscience 19, p.1286—1291.
Singer, Tania; Critchley, Hugo D.; and Preuschoff, Kerstun. (2009). A Common Role of Insula in Feelings, Empathy, and Uncertainty. Trends in Cognitive Sciences, 13(8), p. 334-340.
Skolnick, Alexander J.; Bascom, Katherine L.; and Wilson, David T. (2013). Gender Role Expectations of Disgust: Men are Low and Women are High. Sex Roles 69(1-2), p.72-88.
Tomkins, Silvan S. (1963). Affect Imagery Consciousness: Volume II: The Negative Affects. Springer Publishing Company, ISBN 9780826104434
Tybur, Joshua M.; Lieberman, Debra; and Griskevicius, Vladas. (2009). Microbes, Mating, and Morality: Individual Differences in Three Functional Domains of Disgust. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 97(1), p. 103-122.
© Citation:
Pitcher, E. Mark. (2025, April 4). Crossing the Line and Unmasking Aversion: Breaking Men's Taboo Around Disgust and Transforming it into Understanding and Growth. Beyond Brotherhood. https://www.beyondbrotherhood.ca/post/crossing-the-line-and-unmasking-aversion-breaking-men-s-taboo-around-disgust-and-transforming-it-in
Comments