Body odour disgust sensitivity is associated with xenophobia: evidence from nine countries across five continents. Issue 4 (12th April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zakrzewska, Marta Z.; Challma, Sandra; Lindholm, Torun; Cancino-Montecinos, Sebastian; Olofsson, Jonas K.; Liuzza, Marco Tullio
• Is Part Of: Royal Society open science. Volume 10:Issue 4(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-04-12
• Subjects: olfaction -- disgust -- prejudice -- xenophobia -- body odour disgust sensitivity -- disease avoidance; Science -- Periodicals; 500
• DOI: 10.1098/rsos.221407
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2054-5703

Abstract

Abstract : Body odour disgust sensitivity (BODS) reflects a behavioural disposition to avoid pathogens, and it may also involve social attitudes. Among participants in the USA, high levels of BODS were associated with stronger xenophobia towards a fictitious refugee group. To test the generalizability of this finding, we analysed data from nine countries across five continents ( N = 6836). Using structural equation modelling, we found support for our pre-registered hypotheses: higher BODS levels were associated with more xenophobic attitudes; this relationship was partially explained by perceived dissimilarities of the refugees' norms regarding hygiene and food preparation, and general attitudes toward immigration. Our results support a theoretical notion of how pathogen avoidance is associated with social attitudes: 'traditional norms' often involve behaviours that limit inter-group contact, social mobility and situations that might lead to pathogen exposure. Our results also indicate that the positive relationship between BODS and xenophobia is robust across cultures.