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Revolted? You May Be Conservative

Studies suggest those on right have weaker stomachs

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 5, 2009 2:12 PM CDT

(Newser) – Those easily repulsed by a creepy bug or bloody scene may lean to the right, new studies suggest. People who are easily grossed out are particularly likely to take conservative stances on homosexuality, LiveScience reports. Surveys using scales for “Disgust Sensitivity” and political ideology helped researchers draw the conclusions; they also used the scale in conjunction with questions on issues like gay marriage, abortion, and gun control.

Those with higher disgust sensitivity more often opposed gay marriage and abortion. In another study using “implicit measures”—testing for opinions people may not state—the same head researcher found higher disgust sensitivity was associated with disapproval of gays. The Cornell professor says conservatives may believe disgust justifies calling an action immoral; liberals look for “actual harm” before deeming something wrong.

A Cornell researcher used a disgust scale alongside a political ideology scale in his study. (Shutterstock)

Easily disgusted test subjects more often opposed gay marriage and abortion. (Shutterstock)

The squeamish are more likely to be conservative, studies suggest. (Shutterstock)

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Studies suggest those on right have weaker stomachs

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Vitamins Boost Women's Risk of Dying

High concentration of nutrients may turn toxic: researchers

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Morning people tend to be less stressed, depressed, overweight

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And finds that daydreaming is tied to bad moods

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Could predict risk decades before symptoms show

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Depleted ozone may be risk for already-endangered animals

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Studies suggest those on right have weaker stomachs

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

study • science • research • Cornell University • conservatism

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Vitamins Boost Women's Risk of Dying

High concentration of nutrients may turn toxic: researchers

Early Risers Happier, Healthier

Morning people tend to be less stressed, depressed, overweight

iPhone App Gauges Your Happiness

And finds that daydreaming is tied to bad moods

30-Second Alzheimer's Test in the Works

Could predict risk decades before symptoms show

Whales Face 'Serious' Sunburn Threat

Depleted ozone may be risk for already-endangered animals

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?