Presidential Address: Embracing the Repulsive: The Case for Disgust as a Functionally Central Emotional State in the Theory, Practice, and Dissemination of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy

•Disgust is presented as a central emotion in several forms of psychopathology,•Research on the role of disgust has lagged behind other emotional states•Treatment approaches for disgust have been underinvestigated•Disgust is implicated as a therapist-specific reaction to evidence-based therapy when it conflicts with their worldview

Disgust is a primary emotion, but it is also understudied in general, and in psychopathology in particular. Disgust plays a potential role in the reluctance of many non-scientifically minded practitioners from adopting evidence-based methods of treatment. This article summarizes findings from psychopathology research and treatment, and highlights basic science that potentially accounts for the hesitancy for some therapists to adopt evidence-based methods. Several recommendations are provided for future research in disgust related to both psychopathology and dissemination research.