Speaker
Description
Hormones play a crucial role in shaping the sensitivity and intensity of
disgust responses, with these effects varying based on sex and other
physiological factors. These mechanisms are deeply rooted in evolutionary
processes, where disgust serves as a protective function, helping to avoid
potential physical or social harm. Literature highlighted that women tend to
exhibit higher disgust sensitivity than men. These differences hold across
diverse nations, suggesting they are unlikely to be driven only by cultural
factors. However, the specific antecedents of these differences remain
unclear. A widely shared hypothesis states that sexual hormones are
pivotal in this evolutionary path. This review aims to encompass the
literature on the relationship between sexual hormones and sensitivity to
disgust to shed light on the actual role played by the hormones in this
association. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of Scopus
(114 results), PubMed (66 results), Web of Science (94 results), and
PsychInfo (62 results) was conducted. Two reviewers will independently
screen all studies and evaluate the risk of bias using the Critical Appraisal
Skills Programme checklists. Results will be synthesized narratively, with
emphasis on the methodological quality of the included studies to ensure a
rigorous interpretation of the findings.
