Self-transcendent positive emotions increase spirituality through basic world assumptions

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.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Spirituality has mostly been studied in psychology as implied in the process of overcoming adversity, being triggered by negative experiences, and providing positive outcomes. By reversing this pathway, we investigated whether spirituality may also be triggered by self-transcendent positive emotions, which are elicited by stimuli appraised as demonstrating higher good and beauty. In two studies, elevation and/or admiration were induced using different methods. These emotions were compared to two control groups, a neutral state and a positive emotion (mirth). Self-transcendent positive emotions increased participants' spirituality (Studies 1 and 2), especially for the non-religious participants (Study 1). Two basic world assumptions, i.e., belief in life as meaningful (Study 1) and in the benevolence of others and the world (Study 2) mediated the effect of these emotions on spirituality. Spirituality should be understood not only as a coping strategy, but also as an upward spiralling pathway to and from self-transcendent positive emotions.