Study: Using Disgust To Dissuade Meat-Eaters
Overall, animal welfare and disgust were the most convincing arguments against meat consumption, with disgust producing much longer-lasting effects. Arguments from environmentalism or health benefits were somewhat effective, but much less so.
OWEN ROGERS: ‘There are many arguments for the reduction or elimination of meat from our diets. Some of the most common are environmental, moral, and health-based. Meat is a significant contributor to climate change and habitat destruction. It has been linked with several major diseases, including heart disease and type II diabetes. What’s more, our growing understanding of animal intelligence has soured many people on the idea of killing them for food. Still, most people happily eat burgers, chicken thighs, and fish sticks. If we can’t convince these individuals through logical arguments, could we simply gross them out?…
As part of three research studies, participants were asked to rate meat and vegetables based on each foods’ morality, anticipated taste, health, buying likelihood, and desire to eat. The third study was similar, but used slideshows rather than essays. Animal welfare, health, and disgust were all used – environmental degradation was not. Overall, animal welfare and disgust were the most convincing arguments against meat consumption, with disgust producing much longer-lasting effects. Arguments from environmentalism or health benefits were somewhat effective, but much less so.
People generally underestimate the damage of the animal agriculture industry, believing that eating local food or avoiding excessive packaging are more helpful steps. Health arguments have to overcome the general belief that vegetarian diets are critically lacking in protein, iron, and other nutrients. Animal welfare arguments decreased the participants’ attitudes towards meat, but did nothing to their attitude towards vegetables. However, arguments from disgust did both – people who were disgusted by meat became more likely to buy and eat vegetables, and more likely to believe them to taste good and be healthy’. SOURCE…
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