Final answer:
Disgust is an emotional response triggered by a violation of the body envelope or a feeling of revulsion towards contaminants, which may serve as a protective mechanism against health risks and is one of several universal facial expressions recognized across cultures.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Paul Rozin and colleagues (1999), disgust is elicited by a violation of the body envelope or a sense of offensiveness, often triggered by substances or items that we judge as contaminants. This reaction is part of a protective mechanism against potential pathogens and these researchers often relate disgust to concerns about hygiene and disease.
It can also be a response to moral or social violations, extending beyond just physical revulsion. While disgust is one emotion, others in the realm of universal facial expressions include anger and contempt, as well as happiness, surprise, sadness, and fear. These expressions are considered universal because they can be recognized across cultures.
Emotions can have both a psychological and a physiological impact, underscoring the interconnectedness of our emotional experiences with our physical states.