A conceptual clarification of the experience of awe: An interpretative phenomenological analysis.

Abstract

Awe is a concept central in much of humanistic and transpersonal psychology, but it still lacks a consensual scientific meaning. Consequently, this article conceptually clarifies awe for its further use in scientific research and theory, as well as in applications such as psychotherapy. Previous understandings of awe and its changing meaning are discussed in their historical context. Six inter-views focused on participants ’ experiences of and thoughts about awe, contained within Schneider’s (2009) book, Awakening to Awe, were explored using interpretative phenomenological analysis. This analysis revealed ten thematic elements of awe, which were then categorized into three conceptual groups. The results are discussed in the context of previous and possible future research on awe, as well their applied implications. Awe is an important concept within both humanistic (e.g., Robbins, 2008) and transpersonal (e.g., Hartelius, Caplan, & Rardin, 2007) psychology, as well as in related fields, such as positive psychology (e.g., Gable, & Haidt, 2005) and the psychology of religion (Emmons & Paloutzian, 2003). Awe has even been identified as ‘‘the ultimate humanistic moment’ ’ that ‘‘deserves serious inquiry, if not a central place’ ’ regarding aesthetics (Konecni, 2005, p. 27), which can be extended to other key humanistic and transpersonal processes. However, awe, like