Many studies suggest the emotion of disgust is an adaptation that serves as a defense against microbial disease (e.g. protecting oneself) and it is universal. The potential contact with people who have poor hygiene and appear diseased or have body issues such as open wounds often evokes disgust. The disgust should be evoked most strongly by disease-carrying situations and especially among women who need to protect themselves from disease that could potentially affect their fetus and/or children. This study examined gender difference sensitivity to disgust. It was hypothesized that the female participants would be more sensitive to disgust than male participants. The ninety undergraduates (45 females and 45 males) participated in a survey study which used a modified version of the Disgust Scale and disgusting pictures. The results showed a significant gender difference regarding bed bugs, vomit, maggots, fish hooks, ect. There were gender differences in sensitivity to disgust.
