Disgust is an emotion that is often associated with negative feelings such as repulsion and revulsion.
It can also be present alongside positive emotions like pleasure, attraction, and excitement. In fact, many people experience a sense of both disgust and desire when they are involved in certain activities such as BDSM, body modification, and erotica. This phenomenon has been studied extensively in psychology and sociology, but little attention has been paid to how participants construct narratives around these experiences. Participants may try to make sense of their conflicting feelings through storytelling, which can shape their understanding of themselves and others.
The researchers have found that participants tend to describe their experiences using metaphors, analogies, and other forms of imagery that allow them to connect their bodily sensations with larger cultural and social meanings.
One participant described her tattooing experience as "opening up" her skin and exposing herself to the world. Another compared his piercing to being "branded" or "marked" by the experience. These metaphors suggest that participants see their bodies as a site of transformation and transformation can bring about new identities.
In addition to using metaphorical language, participants often use humor to deflect from uncomfortable feelings. One study showed that participants who were interviewed after engaging in BDSM used more jokes than those who did not. They also reported feeling more shame about their behavior.
This strategy may help participants feel more comfortable exploring their desires without having to confront them directly.
Some studies have found that participants may use narrative structures that emphasize control and agency over their own bodies and behaviors.
One study showed that participants who engaged in erotic role-playing games often described themselves as active agents who made choices about their sexual desires. This suggests that they are trying to assert power over their emotions and actions even when they are experiencing conflicting feelings.
These findings indicate that people construct narratives around disgust and desire through a variety of strategies including metaphorical language, humor, and storytelling. By understanding how participants make sense of these experiences, we can gain insights into how they understand their bodies, relationships, and society at large.
How do participants construct narratives and meaning around experiences that blend disgust and desire?
Narrative construction is an integral part of human cognition, memory, and self-identity, as it allows individuals to make sense of their experiences, understand them within a broader context, and develop personal meanings and interpretations (Winter et al. , 2015). In terms of sexuality, this process can be complex and multifaceted, particularly when it comes to experiences that involve feelings of both disgust and desire.