The Relationship between Experiencing Awe in Everyday Life and Psychological Well-Being among Young Adults

Abstract

This research explores the connection between awe experiences and psychological well-being in young adults, with a focus on identifying possible differences between genders. Awe, defined as a response to phenomena that are vast or surpass our understanding, is analyzed for its relationship with well-being facets such as autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationships, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Utilizing a correlational study design, the investigation relies on self-reported data from a cohort of young adults (N=148). Findings indicate a significant positive link between awe and personal growth (r=.280, p.05), environmental mastery (r=-.172, p>.05), and self-acceptance (r=-.138, p>.05) were not significant, pointing to awe’s varied impact across different well-being areas. Gender analyses showed minor differences in how awe affects individuals, yet these were not significantly pronounced, indicating a complex relationship between awe, well-being, and gender. These insights highlight awe’s crucial role in promoting personal growth in young adults while also shedding light on its multifaceted influence on overall psychological health. By underlining the significance of awe in enhancing life satisfaction, this study enriches the field of positive psychology and calls for further investigation into awe’s wide-ranging effects.