The Relationship Between Big Five Personality Traits and Disgust Sensitivity among Young Adults in India

Abstract

Disgust Sensitivity is believed to influence moral, social, and political cognition, with growing interest in its relationship with personality traits. While previous studies have primarily focused on Western populations, research in non-Western contexts, particularly India, remains limited. This study aimed to examine the correlation between Big Five personality traits and Disgust Sensitivity among Indian adults, contributing to a broader exploration of psychological determinants of voting behavior. A sample of 221 Indian nationals aged 18 to 26 years completed the NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) and the Disgust Scale–Revised (DS-R). Data were analyzed using Kendall’s Tau-b correlation in R to account for tied ranks. Results revealed a statistically significant positive correlation between Neuroticism and Disgust Sensitivity (τ = 0.1184, p < .05). However, Conscientiousness showed no significant correlation (τ = 0.0058), and Agreeableness (τ = -0.0363) and Extraversion (τ = -0.0734) exhibited small negative trends. Openness (τ = 0.0486) was unrelated to Disgust Sensitivity. These findings suggest that Neuroticism plays a key role in Disgust Sensitivity within an Indian context, challenging the assumption that Conscientiousness is relevant. The study highlights the importance of considering personality traits in understanding social attitudes and political behavior, particularly in culturally diverse populations.