EMBRACE: “Disgust”

EA Editor April 17, 2026 EMBRACE PAC
EMBRACE: “Disgust”
17 Apr 2026
EMBRACE PAC
April 17, 2026 EA Editor

Understanding Disgust: The Emotion That Protects Us 🤢

with the EMBRACE Squad

 

Disgust is one of the emotions that helps keep us safe.

 

As part of the EMBRACE Future’s #KnowEmotions campaign, we explore emotions through the lens of psychologist Robert Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions, where disgust sits opposite trust.

 

While trust allows us to feel safe and open to others, disgust acts as a warning signal. It tells us when something may be unhealthy, unsafe, or simply not right for us.

 

In our new EMBRACE Future animation on Disgust, children see how this emotion works in everyday life and why it is an important part of emotional awareness.

 

🤢 A person notices something nasty or unsanitary.
🙅 They instinctively pull away.
🧠 Their brain signals: this might not be safe.

 

Disgust started as a way to protect us from physical harm, like germs or bad food. Today, we understand it as our body’s natural ‘rejection’ response to things that feel unpleasant or wrong. For young people, this emotion is a powerful tool. It helps them listen to their inner voice and set healthy boundaries in their friendships and social lives.

 

For parents and guardians, this is an important moment for conversation.

 

When young people experience disgust, it can help them learn to:

  • Recognize when something feels unsafe or unhealthy
    • Trust their instincts about situations or behaviours
    • Develop personal boundaries
    • Understand the difference between curiosity and discomfort

 

Young people do not always have the words to explain why something feels “gross” or wrong. Talking about emotions like disgust helps them understand that these reactions are normal and meaningful.

 

It also reinforces an important message: their feelings matter and can help guide their choices.

 

By supporting young people in recognizing and naming this emotion, families help build emotional literacy and stronger self-protection skills.

 

👉 Watch the new DISGUST animation:

EN: https://youtu.be/Cg6uBpE2kPw


RO: https://youtu.be/q7PRKDFSxDQ 

 

Through animation, emotional literacy, and participatory learning, the EMBRACE Future supports children, families, and educators in building emotional awareness and resilience – one feeling at a time.

 

Funding Agency: EACEA – European Education and Culture Executive Agency

Learn more about EMBRACE: embrace-future.eu 

Project: 101190161 — EMBRACE — CERV-2024-CHILD

 

Disclaimer: Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.