The Revolting Self Perspectives on the Psychological, Social, and Clinical Implications of Self-Directed Disgust

Self-disgust (viewing the self as an object of abhorrence) is somewhat of a novel subject for psychological research and theory, yet its significance is increasingly being recognised in the clinical domain. This edited collection of articles represents the first scholarly attempt to engage comprehensively with the concept of self-directed disgust as a potentially discrete and important psychological phenomenon. The present work is unique in addressing the idea of self-disgust in-depth, using novel empirical research, academic review, social commentary, and informed theorising. It includes chapters from pioneers in the field of psychology, and other selected authorities who can see the potential of using self-disgust to inform their own areas of expertise. The volume features contributions from a distinguished array of scholars and practising clinicians, including international leaders in areas such as cognition and emotion, psychological therapy, mental health research, and health and clinical psychology.
This collection of papers offers a stimulating and timely investigation of that which the authors refer to as "the revolting self"; it is an invaluable handbook for all those academics and clinicians who want to understand and explore the concept of self-disgust further.

This book looks at the phenomenon of self-directed disgust and examines the role of self-disgust in relation to psychological experiences and potential ensuing psychopathology and to physical functioning such as disability, chronic physical health, and sexual dysfunction.

Foreword -- Preface -- An introduction to the revolting self: self-disgust as an emotion schema -- Digging disgust out of the dumpster: a neuropsychological defence of self-and other-directed disgust as a moral virtue -- Disgust and self-disgust: a disability studies perspective -- Self-disgust and adaptation to chronic physical health conditions: implications for avoidance and withdrawal -- Self-directed disgust: reciprocal relationships with sex and sexual dysfunction -- Disgust and interpersonal experiences: the complex emotional experience of rejection -- Contaminated by trauma: understanding links between self-disgust, mental contamination, and post-traumatic stress disorder -- Depression as a disorder of disgust -- Self-disgust in eating disorders: a review of the literature and clinical implications -- Varieties of disgust in self-harm -- Psychodynamics of self-disgust: expulsion and attack as attempts to retain integrity of the personality -- Self-disgust, self-hatred, and compassion-focused therapy -- Reflections on the revolting self: a commentary and further directions