Self-transcendent positive emotions increase spirituality through basic world assumptions
Cognition & Emotion May 13, 2013 Patty van Cappellen, Vassilis Saroglou, Caroline Iweins et al. 184 citations
Spirituality is typically studied as a response to hardship, but this research explores whether it can also arise from positive emotions that transcend the self, such as admiration and elevation. In two experiments, inducing these emotions—using different methods—boosted participants' spirituality compared to neutral or merely happy (mirth) states. The effect was especially strong among non-religious participants. The increase in spirituality was explained by shifts in basic worldviews: a stronger belief that life is meaningful and that others and the world are benevolent. Spirituality may function not only as a coping mechanism but as part of an upward spiral with self-transcendent positive emotions.