Azusa Pacific University Researchers Reveal The Psychological Driving Forces Behind 'The Ick'

Brian Collisson, Eliana Saunders and Chloe Yin explain the psychological and evolutionary triggers behind the viral dating phenomenon: 'the ick.'

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | February 19, 2025

A new study published in Personality and Individual Differences explored the novel, viral concept of "the ick"—an inexplicable aversion to a partner (or potential partner), triggered by superficial behaviors or traits. As it turns out, "the ick" may not be as inexplicable as it seems, nor as novel.

According to the research, the ick—experienced more commonly by women than by men—is triggered by three major psychological phenomena: narcissism, perfectionism and disgust sensitivity.

I recently spoke to the lead authors of the study—Brian Collisson, Eliana Saunders and Chloe Yin—from the Department of Psychology at Azusa Pacific University, to discuss the roots of "the ick", as well as its many implications. Here's a summary of our conversation.

The term "the ick" is relatively new, but the feeling it describes has likely been around forever in terms of evolution. How would you explain the ick to someone unfamiliar with it?

For someone who may be unfamiliar with the term, "the ick" is essentially an involuntary feeling of revulsion towards an individual from a certain action or behavior. It can happen in an instant, and seemingly out of nowhere.

Your study found a strong link between disgust sensitivity and experiencing the ick. What does this tell us about how deeply rooted the ick is in human psychology?

"The ick" stemmed from the evolution of disgust as a protective mechanism. First, it was against disease, and then it was in mate selection to help individuals avoid undesirable traits. This aversion was always present, the only difference is that this generation gave it a name.

The study also linked the ick to narcissism and perfectionism. Does this mean that people with high expectations for partners are more prone to experiencing it?

There is an indication that "the ick" is less about genuine incompatibility and more about unrealistic expectations and deviation of an ideal partner. The correlation with perfectionism and narcissism is evident, as individuals with these traits tend to seek partners who elevate their status and fit and have fewer imperfections.

The ick seems to be an instant, gut reaction rather than a rational decision. Do you think it serves an evolutionary purpose in helping people avoid bad relationships, or could it be more of a cognitive bias that leads to unnecessary rejections?

It is both, depending on the context. On one hand, it aligns with error management theory—in which an individual is wired to avoid mating mistakes. On the other, it can also be a cognitive bias, since it is less about genuine incompatibility.

Your study found that women were more likely than men to experience the ick. Do you think this is a biological or social difference—or a combination?

Definitely a combination. From a biological standpoint, women may experience it more because of parental investment. However, social media is like a loudspeaker that amplifies to create normalization. It may be an internalized mate selection behavior that becomes validated through social reinforcement.

Since TikTok played a big role in popularizing the ick, do you think younger generations experience it differently than older generations?

Rather than younger generations experiencing the ick differently, it's more so that they have just coined the term to describe it.

If someone finds themselves getting the ick frequently with a partner/potential partner, should they trust it as a sign of incompatibility, or could it be a self-sabotaging tendency?

It's hard to say, and it definitely depends on the context. Since "the ick" can be triggered by minor unrealistic expectations, it could be self-sabotage. However, it can also be an "intuition-driven warning" to help with mate selection.