EMOTIONAL RESPONSE TO BED BUG ENCOUNTERS: EFFECTS OF SEX, PROXIMITY AND EDUCATIONAL INTERVENTION ON FEAR AND DISGUST PERCEPTIONS Spencer Vedvik , Forensic Biology MENTOR Rose Danek , Social and Behavioral Sciences Bed bugs ( Cimex lectularius ) evoke strong negative emotional responses that can influence how individuals perceive, manage, and respond to infestations. Prior research has demonstrated that fear, disgust, anxiety, and anger are commonly associated with bed bug encounters and that brief educational interventions can significantly alter both emotional responses and knowledge levels (McNeill & Danek, 2025). However, these findings relied on undergraduate student samples which may not accurately represent the population at large. The present project aims to extend this work by recruiting a community-based sample to examine whether emotional responses to bed bugs and the effects of an educational video differ across a broader demographic population. Participants from the local community will complete measures assessing emotional and behavioral responses, and knowledge related to bed bugs before and after viewing a brief informational video. The data from these community members will increase the generalizability of these findings. Findings will contribute to a better understanding of how educational interventions influence emotional and cognitive responses to bed bugs, with implications for public health communication and pest management strategies.
92 | URI DISCOVERY 2026
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online