Learning objective
To analyze the psychological mechanisms of disgust in workplace interactions, the symbolic role of caricature in emotional regulation, and strategies for boundary-setting and self-protection in professional environments.
CONCEPTUAL FOUNDATIONS
[F1] Disgust as defensive social emotion
Disgust (asco, repulsión protectora) is an evolved emotion defined as a defense against contamination or symbolic threats. In physical contexts, it protects individuals from disease, while in social contexts it guards against behaviors perceived as arrogant, manipulative, or lacking empathy. Scholars describe this as a form of social threat where individuals respond to perceived dangers to dignity, fairness, or group cohesion.
[F2] Triggers of social disgust responses
Social disgust may be triggered by arrogance, constant negativity, manipulation, and lack of empathy. These behaviors are interpreted as risks to personal integrity and professional stability. A key mechanism is emotional association, where a person reminds the observer of past negative experiences. Stress amplifies this response, making small irritants disproportionately strong triggers of repulsion.
[F3] Strategies of internal emotional management
Techniques of emotional regulation include conscious breathing, reframing thoughts, and building an internal psychological shield. For example, imagining a bubble of separation creates symbolic distance from negative energy. Scholars note that reappraisal shifts the meaning of events, weakening disgust. Another tool is humor-based recontextualization, which transforms threatening traits into sources of amusement.
[F4] Caricature as protective cognitive tool
Caricature (caricatura, representación cómica) is the exaggeration of features for humorous or critical effect. In workplace psychology, caricature can function as a protective mechanism by reframing an arrogant colleague as a parody figure. This changes the perception from dangerous to ridiculous, interrupting the disgust cycle. Cognitive theories identify caricature as a strategy of emotional deflation that neutralizes social threat.
[F5] Boundary-setting and social economy
Boundary-setting is a process of defining limits in interpersonal relationships. In professional settings, strategies include minimal interaction, neutral responses, and firm statements such as “This comment is not appropriate.” These behaviors reduce emotional energy expenditure. Documentation of inappropriate actions provides additional security. This approach balances external professionalism with internal protection.
[F6] Imagined superiority and symbolic crowns
The perception of a colleague who presents as excessively formal or “perfect” reflects the concept of symbolic superiority. Overly polished behavior may appear artificial and provoke disgust. Caricatures that exaggerate perfection—such as a crown made of a tomato—illustrate the absurdity of inflated self-image. Symbolic humor replaces negative affect with ridicule, offering psychological relief.
APPLICATIONS AND CONTROVERSIES
[A1] Practical management of arrogant colleagues
In applied settings, professionals often face colleagues who exhibit self-perceived superiority. Strategies include interacting only as necessary, avoiding ironic engagement, and neutralizing negative comments with short, noncommittal responses. Silence can be a powerful tool, removing the “stage” that arrogant individuals seek. These approaches align with theories of social economy, minimizing unnecessary emotional investment.
[A2] Humor-based cognitive reframing techniques
Transforming an irritating colleague into a mental caricature—such as “The Tomato-Crowned Expert” or “Corporate Clown”—creates internal comedy. Imagining exaggerated accessories like a clown nose, oversized shoes, or a superhero costume converts disgust into amusement. Psychological research supports humor as a cognitive reappraisal strategy that lowers stress and improves resilience in tense work environments.
[A3] Contrast between perception and self-image
A colleague may present as respectable and superior, yet evoke disgust because the perfection seems artificial. This duality illustrates the gap between self-perception and external perception. Caricature bridges this gap by showing the figure as they wish to be seen (impressive, polished) while simultaneously exposing the absurdity of their inflated self-image, turning admiration into ridicule.
[A4] The role of condescension toward less experienced workers
Condescension toward less experienced professionals exemplifies symbolic social threat. Gestures like paternalistic smiles, raised hands of “expert blessing,” or downward gazes reinforce hierarchical superiority. Caricature captures this dynamic by exaggerating body posture, smug expressions, and falsely generous gestures. Scholars identify such portrayals as demonstrations of superiority bias, which is destabilizing in collaborative settings.
[A5] Integrating cultural humor and symbolic exaggeration
The transformation of workplace figures into cartoon-like characters is consistent with cultural practices of satire. Elements such as tomatoes as crowns or exaggerated capes serve to ridicule inflated egos. This humor functions as an emotional release valve, reducing workplace stress and offering participants an alternative interpretive lens. By reframing absurdity, individuals reclaim agency in uncomfortable contexts.
[A6] Limitations and ethical considerations
While caricature can neutralize disgust, it risks reinforcing negative stereotypes or escalating tension if shared openly. Anonymization and private humor ensure that caricature remains a protective cognitive tool rather than a weapon. Academic approaches emphasize the balance between personal coping strategies and maintaining professionalism, preventing humor from becoming harassment. The protective function must remain inward-facing.
[A7] Rescue integration of structured strategies
Lists of strategies previously identified—such as neutral responses (“Understood,” “Ok, I will check”), documentation of misconduct, or the imaginative “bubble shield”—are all relevant to professional applications. Each technique contributes to boundary reinforcement and emotional stability. In combination with caricature, these strategies provide a comprehensive toolkit for managing workplace disgust.
Sources
Rozin, P., Haidt, J., & McCauley, C. (2008). Disgust. In M. Lewis, J. M. Haviland-Jones, & L. F. Barrett (Eds.), Handbook of Emotions (3rd ed., pp. 757–776). New York: Guilford Press.
McGraw, P., & Warren, C. (2010). Benign violations: Making immoral behavior funny. Psychological Science, 21(8), 1141–1149.
Miller, W. I. (1997). The Anatomy of Disgust. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.
Lazarus, R. S. (1991). Emotion and Adaptation. New York: Oxford University Press.
Veatch, T. C. (1998). A theory of humor. Humor: International Journal of Humor Research, 11(2), 161–215.
My Diary - Leonardo Cardillo 