Why do we most often feel disgusted/uncomfortable when scratching certain materials? (Wood, chalk, etc.)

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Why do we most often feel disgusted/uncomfortable when scratching certain materials? (Wood, chalk, etc.)

In: Biology

4 Answers

Anonymous 0 Comments

It’s called [Tactile Defensiveness](https://otplan.com/tactile-defensiveness-some-people-are-more-sensitive/) and this link has a lot of helpful info about it.

“Common signs of tactile defensiveness include: sensitivity to certain types of clothes or fabrics; preference or aversion to foods which seems most related to the texture of the food (e.g. avoidance of smooth and creamy foods or irritation in response to crunchy or lumpy foods); avoidance of touching substances such as finger paint or mud, or of getting one’s hands messy; avoidance of walking barefoot on particular surfaces such as sand or grass; a greater than normal resistance to having teeth brushed, hair combed or face washed; and/or a tendency to prefer to touch rather than be touched, especially when the touch is unexpected.”

Anonymous 0 Comments

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Anonymous 0 Comments

I don’t know but 50 years later I still cringe at the thought of scratching itchy polyester church pants.

Anonymous 0 Comments

It’s the same feeling we get when people shriek at the same frequencies. It’s part of our fight or flight system that gets engaged.