Disgust is a fundamental emotion that is powerful enough to help keep us safe. It teaches us to avoid certain behaviors, environments, or foods. However, many children have a difficult time labeling disgust compared to other emotions, such as happiness or sadness. So, how exactly do children learn how to classify disgust?

Toddlers first learn about disgust through physical events, such as bad tastes. This physical awareness creates a foundation for children to further develop their sense of disgust. It’s not until around age 4 that children can fully grasp the concept of what disgust actually is. This often occurs by observing facial expressions. By the time children are in early elementary school they have a full understanding of disgust as an emotion. 

Caregivers must support children as they learn about disgust. Children often turn to their caregivers for approval or guidance on how to react in new situations. If caregivers clearly show children that certain things are “disgusting” the child will be more likely to avoid them.

While some attributes of disgust are learned through experience, such as eating new foods, teaching children what they should consider physically disgusting can protect them from harm.  

Read the full link here.

Emma Dineen

Research Assistant, UConn KIDS

 

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