Review of the gastric physiology of disgust: Proto-nausea as an under-explored facet of the gut–brain axis
2024

The Neuroscience of Emotions

Sample size: 10 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Alladin Sameer N. B., Judson Ruth, Whittaker Poppy, Attwood Angela S., Dalmaijer Edwin S.

Primary Institution: School of Psychological Science, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK

Hypothesis

How does disgust affect gastric physiology and the gut-brain axis?

Conclusion

Changes in gastric rhythm are associated with negatively valenced emotions, particularly visceral disgust elicitors.

Supporting Evidence

  • Disgust is a basic emotion that serves as a protective mechanism against toxins.
  • Electrogastrography is a non-invasive technique used to measure stomach activity.
  • Changes in gastric rhythm can indicate emotional responses, particularly disgust.

Takeaway

When people feel disgust, their stomachs react in a way that can make them feel nauseous, even if they don't realize it.

Methodology

The study reviewed 368 studies and synthesized findings from 10 articles that used electrogastrography to assess gastric responses to disgust.

Potential Biases

Potential biases due to small sample sizes and the subjective nature of disgust ratings.

Limitations

The reviewed studies had small sample sizes and varied methodologies, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.

Participant Demographics

The review included studies with varied participant demographics, including healthy adults and children aged 5-13.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1177/23982128241305890

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