Body odor disgust sensitivity is associated with xenophobia: Evidence from 9 countries

Body odor disgust sensitivity (BODS) reflects a behavioral 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 analyzed data from 9 countries across five continents (N = 6836). Using structural equation modeling, we found support for our preregistered 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 behaviors 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.

Challma, Sandra (author)
Lindholm, Torun,1962-Stockholms universitet,Psykologiska institutionen(Swepub:su)tlm (author)
Olofsson, Jonas K.,1978-Stockholms universitet,Psykologiska institutionen(Swepub:su)jool8931 (author)
Liuzza, Marco Tullio"Magna Graecia" University of Catanzaro (author)
Stockholms universitetPerception och psykofysik (creator_code:org_t)

By the author/editor: Zakrzewska, Mart ...; Challma, Sandra; Lindholm, Torun, ...; Olofsson, Jonas ...; Liuzza, Marco Tu ...

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