An introduction to the revolting self: self-disgust as an emotion schema

A systematic review of the clinical utility of the concept of self‐disgust

“…One such emotion that has begun to receive such delineation and differentiation is that of self‐disgust, in which the basic emotion of disgust becomes directed at a core and stable feature of the self (Powell, Simpson, & Overton, , ). As disgust is a visceral negative emotion driving behavioural responses of rejection and avoidance (Rozin, Haidt, & McCauley, ), it would be predicted that having such an emotion directed at the self may contribute to significant psychological difficulties.…”

“…Indeed, several authors have begun to theorize on how such difficulties may develop. For example, Powell et al (, ) postulate that self‐disgust represents a distinct emotion schema (Izard, , ). Specifically, an initial self‐disgust reaction may be generated by cognitive appraisal processes, such as negatively evaluating one's features or actions, or by more associative processes, in which disgust initially generated by an external stimulus then becomes elicited by the part of the self associated with this stimulus.…”

“…It is important, however, to note the caveat that emotions are likely to influence appraisal as much as the other way round and such unidirectional assumptions are likely to be simplistic. Powell et al (, ) conclude that a self‐disgust schema is likely developed in childhood in response to disgust‐based criticism or abuse, with self‐disgust in adulthood likely shaped by trauma or a change in the nature of how the self is experienced.…”

“…Moreover, it has been argued that the centrality of the core emotion of disgust does enable self‐disgust to be differentiated from other negative self‐referent emotions across appraisal content, subjective and physiological experiences, and associated behavioural repertoires (e.g., Powell et al , ). To illustrate, disgust or contamination‐based appraisals are necessary to generate self‐disgust, whereas guilt, shame, and self‐hatred can be generated in the absence of such appraisals—for example, the appraisal “I've been made a fool of” may generate shame but not self‐disgust.…”

“…To illustrate, disgust or contamination‐based appraisals are necessary to generate self‐disgust, whereas guilt, shame, and self‐hatred can be generated in the absence of such appraisals—for example, the appraisal “I've been made a fool of” may generate shame but not self‐disgust. Conversely, disgust‐specific appraisals, such as “I look rotten” or “I make other people feel sick,” can be considered to generate self‐disgust but not necessarily guilt, shame, or self‐hatred (Powell et al, , ).…”