Disgust propensity appears involved in psychopathology. However, current disgust propensity indices display inflated correlations with psychopathology indices due to conceptual overlap. The recently developed Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale - Revised (DPSS-R) is unique in that it measures disgust propensity irrespective of specific elicitors. Although psychometric research confirmed its factor-structure, its predictive validity remains to be established. Therefore, the goal of this study is to test its predictive validity for avoidance behavior in a series of disgusting tasks. Preselected participants (N= 60) with varying levels of disgust propensity engaged in seventeen behavioral tasks. Supporting its predictive validity, higher DPSS-R scores were associated with completing fewer behavioral actions. Additionally, the DPSS-R had added predictive value over and above traditional trait disgust indices.

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doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2010.06.008, hdl.handle.net/1765/20790
Personality and Individual Differences
Department of Psychology

van Overveld, M., Jong, P., & Peters, M. (2010). The Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale - Revised: Its predictive value for avoidance behavior. Personality and Individual Differences, 49(7), 706–711. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2010.06.008