Inspired by awe: Awe promotes inspiration via self-transcendence
Journal of Positive Psychology September 7, 2023 DOI: 10.1080/17439760.2023.2254737 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Experimental Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 941 |
| Key findings | Awe promotes inspiration, and self-transcendence mediates this effect. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT Whether and how awe impacts inspiration lacks sufficient empirical research. We conducted five studies (N = 941) to examine the awe – inspiration link and the mediating effect of self-transcendence. We found that awe promoted inspiration, which was indexed by an actual behavior indicator, others’ ratings (Study 1), and multiple self-reported scales (Studies 2–4). Self-transcendence mediated this effect (Studies 3–4). The effect of awe on inspiration and the mediating effect of self-transcendence were established when comparing awe with a general positive emotion (i.e., amusement in Study 2a and happiness in Study 2b) and nature (Study 4), having emotions controlled for (Studies 2–4), and inducing awe with a threatening experience (Study 4). Taken together, awe exerted a unique effect on inspiration, and self-transcendence mediated this effect.