An Analysis of Likability of Insects in Korea

To investigate the degree of individuals' likability of insects, a survey was conducted with students and adults living in Korea. Overall, for insect-related questions, positive responses were higher than negative ones. Among the positive responses, the personal rearing of insects scored lower than others. The unconditional dislike of insects scored highest in the negative responses. A significant differences and correlations were found between males and females, students and adults, people experienced in insect-related events and those who were not. In particular, previous experience in insect-related events significantly influenced insect likability. Subjects preferred coleopteran and lepidopteran insects to others. However, this preference of insects differed by gender: Male participants preferred coleopteran insects to lepidopteran insects, while female participants preferred lepidopteran insects to coleopteran ones. No significant differences in the preference of insects were found by participants' job, residence, or experience in insect-related events. These findings suggest that gender is the most important factor to consider in selecting insects to be used as therapeutic tools in mental health care.