The revolting self : an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of self-disgust in females with depressive symptoms

Powell, Philip A. and Overton, Paul G. and Simpson, Jane (2014) The revolting self : an interpretative phenomenological analysis of the experience of self-disgust in females with depressive symptoms. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 70 (6). pp. 562-578. ISSN 0021-9762

Abstract

Objective Self-focused disgust has been implicated in depression and other mental health problems. However, “self-disgust” as a psychological concept has never been properly defined and remains particularly enigmatic. A qualitative methodology was used to obtain an informed understanding of self-disgust. Method Nine female participants with clinically relevant depressive symptoms completed semistructured interviews about their understanding and experiences of self-disgust. These were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results Four superordinate themes emerged: (a) “The subjective experience of self-disgust” revealed how self-disgust was perceived as a consuming, visceral experience with trait and state components; (b) “Origins of the revolting self” covered antecedent factors and the role of others in the genesis of self-disgust; (c) “Consequences of self-disgust” included the psychological and behavioral results of a disgusting self; and (d) “Associated emotional states” described associations between self-disgust and other feeling states. Conclusions The current findings suggest self-disgust is a consuming negative psychological phenomenon, associated with depression, problems with eating, physical appearance, interpersonal relationships, and self-persecution. Implications for clinical practice and future research on the topic are discussed.