The ick: Disgust sensitivity, narcissism, and perfectionism in mate choice thresholds

Abstract

The “ick” is a sudden and visceral aversion to a romantic partner, often triggered by behaviors or characteristics that superficially signal incompatibility or low mate quality. This study examined individual differences in disgust sensitivity, narcissism, and other-oriented perfectionism as correlates of the ick, as well as gender differences in ick familiarity and frequency. A pilot analysis of TikTok videos (#theick) identified common ick triggers, informing the main study's behavioral assessments. A sample of single adults (N = 125) reported their familiarity with and experiences of the ick and completed measures of disgust sensitivity, narcissism, and perfectionism. Women were more likely than men to be familiar with the term (63 % vs. 39 %) and to have experienced the ick (75 % vs. 57 %), though frequency did not differ by gender. Greater disgust sensitivity was associated with both the likelihood and frequency of experiencing the ick, suggesting that heightened aversion to minor partner cues may shape mate rejection thresholds. Narcissism correlated with the likelihood—but not frequency—of experiencing the ick, indicating that narcissistic people may selectively reject partners based on specific perceived flaws. Perfectionism was associated with both likelihood and frequency, suggesting that people with rigid standards experience the ick more often. Findings suggest that while the ick may help people identify potential mate incompatibilities, it may also lead to overly rigid rejection standards.