News – Why Does Awe Inspire Us to Help Others?

Being in Awe

In the realm of human experience, there exists a profound state of mind known as awe. This sense of wonder can significantly alter our perception of both ourselves and those around us. The exploration of this phenomenon offers insights into why awe might inspire us to extend our compassion and assistance to others.

Imagine standing at the edge of a vast ocean, witnessing a sunset that paints the sky with an array of colors, or finding yourself immersed in a beautiful piece of art or music. Such moments of awe can have a transformative effect on our psyche. Now, envision that, shortly after such an experience, a stranger approaches you with a request for help. How inclined would you be to assist them?

Research conducted by scholars, as shared by Greater Good Science (ELIZABETH HOPPER | JULY 17, 2024) suggests that experiencing awe makes individuals more likely to engage in acts of kindness. For instance, those who have recently felt awe are more prone to helping someone who has dropped their belongings or volunteering for charitable causes. Even children who experience awe are more inclined to help others, such as aiding refugee families.

But what is it about awe that propels us to be more helpful? This intriguing question continues to be the subject of scholarly investigation.

Awe and Our Connection to Others

Recent studies published in the Journal of Positive Psychology examined the role of awe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Researchers surveyed 332 college students between June and July 2020, assessing their feelings of awe—whether inspired by nature or the dedication of healthcare workers—and their willingness to volunteer or donate to pandemic relief efforts. They also measured the participants’ sense of connection to others and their levels of empathic concern for COVID-19 patients.

The findings revealed that those who frequently experienced awe initially were more likely to feel a stronger sense of connection and empathy two weeks later. This heightened sense of empathy and connectedness subsequently made them more willing to help others by the study’s conclusion. Essentially, awe appears to foster a sense of unity with others, which in turn nurtures empathy and promotes altruistic behavior.

In a follow-up study, researchers found that simply writing about a past experience of awe could enhance one’s sense of connection and willingness to donate, as opposed to writing about neutral or amusing topics. This suggests that reflecting on awe-inspiring moments can also cultivate a propensity to help others.

Awe and the Sense of Smallness

Beyond fostering connectedness and empathy, awe may inspire helpfulness by making us feel small. This does not refer to a sense of inadequacy, but rather a recognition of our place within a larger, more significant context. When confronted with the grandeur of nature or the magnificence of a towering waterfall, our personal concerns seem trivial, prompting us to act less selfishly.

Researchers have tested this theory by inducing feelings of awe through various stimuli, such as awe-inspiring videos, and measuring participants’ willingness to share resources. They found that those who felt awe were more generous, sharing more of their “points” (redeemable for raffle tickets) with others. The participants’ sense of smallness—expressed through feelings of insignificance or the presence of something greater—partly explained their increased generosity.

However, not all studies align perfectly. In the aforementioned study on awe during the pandemic, feelings of smallness did not account for the increased willingness to help. Instead, empathy and connection were the significant factors.

Further research published in the journal Emotion supports the link between awe and empathy. Individuals who frequently experience awe tend to rate themselves as more empathic. Yet, inducing awe in a momentary context only boosted empathy for some participants, indicating the need for more research to fully understand how awe influences our minds and hearts toward helping others.

Cultivating Awe in Daily Life

Experiencing awe offers numerous benefits. According to Yachen Li, a doctoral candidate at the University of Toronto, everyday activities such as walking in nature or visiting art museums can increase our encounters with awe. While no single activity may transform us overnight, regularly making time for awe can gradually enhance our sense of connection to those around us, fostering a more compassionate and altruistic society.

In essence, awe is a bridge that connects us to the larger tapestry of life, reminding us of our shared humanity and inspiring us to act with kindness and empathy. By embracing moments of awe, we can nurture a spirit of generosity that benefits both ourselves and others.