3.3: Does Awe Have a Physiological Signal?

Physical Signs of Experiencing Awe

The experience of awe is indeed accompanied by physiological responses. Goosebumps, for instance, are caused by the contraction of tiny muscles around hair follicles, resulting in the hair standing slightly on end. This reaction is an involuntary response of the sympathetic nervous system, shared by many animals. It serves a protective function, causing animals to appear larger in threatening situations, such as the puffing up of a puffer fish. Additionally, this response aids in retaining body heat in animals.

 

Goosebumps can be triggered by various stimuli, including moving music, captivating art, and moments of awe, as well as feelings of pride, excitement, and fear. In a study conducted by Schurtz et al. (2012)¹⁷, participants reported experiencing goosebumps in response to awe more frequently than any other emotion except cold. Furthermore, the intensity of the awe experienced correlated with the frequency of goosebumps occurrence. 

 

It's possible that our society is experiencing a deficit in awe. With technology dominating our daily routines, we find ourselves spending less time immersed in the wonders of nature and more time glued to screens. Moreover, the convenience of technology may be contributing to a decline in attendance at live art events, as people opt to experience these events through digital platforms on their phones. This shift is not only altering our relationship with art and nature but also contributing to a rise in narcissism and social disconnection. Researchers have turned to nature as a solution. 

 

Why is Nature Beneficial to Well-Being?

1. Biophilia
2. Attention Restoration Theory (ART)
3. Stress Reduction

 

Biophilia is our intrinsic human tendency to seek connections with nature and other living beings. Its roots lie in the Greek words for "life" and "love or affection," giving it the literal meaning of "love of life." The Biophilia Hypothesis, proposed by Kellert and Wilson in 1993, suggests that humans depend on nature for more than just physical needs. It encompasses our desire for aesthetic, intellectual, cognitive, and spiritual fulfillment (Kellert, 1993, p. 21)¹⁸. Even as we increasingly inhabit urban environments, our intrinsic need to connect with nature persists, stemming from our ancestral need to engage with the natural world for survival.

 

The Attention Restoration Theory (ART) suggests that individuals experience improved concentration following exposure to natural settings or even visual imagery of nature. Directed attention is a limited resource. Directed attention is a finite resource; when depleted, it leads to negative feelings such as irritability and diminished cognitive function. Nature offers abundant stimuli that engages involuntary attention, allowing individuals to engage without conscious effort. While philosophically, nature has been revered as a wellspring of tranquility and vitality, rigorous scientific investigation into these notions has only gained momentum in the past three decades.

 

For an environment to be restorative it must include:

1. Fascination: the ability of an environment to generate awe in people; the amount of awe can give the directed attention a rest as the involuntary attention appears in its place. 

2. Being away: a feeling that can be objective or subjective. 

3. Extension: the connection between each element found in an environment; the feeling of being able to travel through the environment in order to look for the information it provides. 

4. Compatibility: characteristics found in an environment that meet the preferences and goals of a person.

 

Awe Activity 

You will watch a brief 4-minute video of Yosemite. 

• Ask yourself before you watch this video of Yosemite¹⁹ – how much mental fatigue do you have right now. Then again once it’s over, see if you feel any different in fatigue, attention, restoration, mood etc.

 

Watch Shannon Barlow discuss the Attention Restoration Theory (ART)²⁰  in a 3-minute video. 

 

Contact with Nature

Decades of research support the notion that contact with nature, including exposure to unthreatening natural environments beneficial for human wellbeing and survival as suggested by Roger Ulrich's work, triggers automatic stress reduction psychophysiological responses. This includes decreased arousal and perceived stress, essentially promoting a sense of recovery or "undoing." Elements such as running water sounds and views of trees are known to be particularly effective in this regard. Studies have shown tangible health improvements, including reductions in blood pressure and enhancements in immune function, further emphasizing the positive impact of nature on our overall well-being and stress levels.

 

Patients who had a window view of trees following surgery experienced shorter hospital stays compared to those with views of a brick wall, spending an average of 7.96 days versus 8.7 days, a statistically significant difference (p = .025). Additionally, they required fewer pain medications. Furthermore, observations revealed that patients with a view of the brick wall received more negative notes, reporting feelings of upset and crying, in contrast to those with a nature view who were noted to be in good spirits. In summary, in comparison with the wall-view group, the patients with the tree view had shorter postoperative hospital stays, had fewer negative evaluative comments from nurses, took fewer moderate and strong analgesic doses, and had slightly lower scores for minor post-surgical complications²¹. 

 

Read more about how a view through a window may influence recovery from surgery²², a study by Roger Ulrich (1984). 

 

There is even evidence that images of nature can be beneficial. Why Is Nature Beneficial?: The Role of Connectedness to Nature²³ by Frantz and colleagues suggests that exposure to images of nature, whether through direct experience or videos, enhances attention, positive emotions, and problem-solving abilities, with particularly pronounced benefits observed among individuals who engage in outdoor activities (2008).

 

Spending time in nature offers a multitude of benefits for mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to improved attention and reduced mental fatigue, lower levels of stress and anxiety, and a better overall mood, including a heightened sense of positive affect such as awe. Moreover, regular exposure to nature is associated with a reduced risk of developing psychiatric disorders and promotes higher levels of empathy and cooperation. In a study led by Kristine Engemann and her team²⁴, it was discovered that children benefiting from exposure to green spaces have a distinct advantage, with research indicating a decreased likelihood of developing psychiatric disorders in adulthood. Researchers analyzed data from over 900,000 residents born between 1985 and 2003, revealing that those who grew up in neighborhoods with more green space had a significantly lower risk of various psychiatric disorders later in life, such as depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and substance use disorder. In fact, individuals with the lowest levels of green space exposure during childhood faced a 55% higher risk of developing mental illness compared to those who were surrounded by abundant green space during their formative years (2019).

 

Nature's sights and sounds often inspire profound awe, particularly the intricate fractal patterns in trees, clouds, rain, and birdsongs. These complex shapes, quickly detected by the human brain, are absent in urban environments. Studies indicate that exposure to nature, including images, can reduce stress and fatigue. Thus, simply contemplating nature's wonders can evoke awe and enhance well-being.

 

Nature-Based Interventions

Despite the abundance of research demonstrating the beneficial effects of nature on our cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being, nature-based interventions remain understudied and underutilized as a mental health strategy. Surprisingly, it's not difficult to motivate individuals to engage in these interventions, nor to maintain their participation. Despite early evidence, such as studies by Passmore²⁵, indicating that nature-based interventions may be more effective than other positive psychology interventions for enhancing well-being, few therapists incorporate them into their practice. Moreover, research suggests that even a single nature walk can significantly alleviate anxiety. There is a growing emphasis on nature-based interventions for children, with initiatives such as free programs to encourage kids to explore national parks gaining momentum in schools and communities.

 

For those intrigued by nature-based interventions, consider participating in the 30x30 Nature Challenge²⁶, by David Suzuki. This initiative invites individuals to dedicate 30 minutes daily to immersing themselves in nature for a continuous span of 30 days.

 

Determining the optimal amount of nature exposure for well-being benefits remains relatively unexplored, with limited studies addressing this question. However, one study by Mathew White and colleagues (2019)²⁷ discovered that individuals who had dedicated a minimum of two recreational hours to nature activities in the previous week reported heightened levels of health and well-being. Beyond mere time spent, the crucial factor lies in the emotional connection with nature. This connection surpasses the benefits of social connectedness and could particularly resonate with introverts as a valuable means of enhancing well-being.

When you want to feel some awe about the world again, take a look at this collection by TED²⁸ of awe-inspiring things in the world around you.

 

Definitions

Biophilia 

our intrinsic human tendency to seek connections with nature and other living beings

Attention Restoration Theory (ART)

suggests that individuals experience improved concentration following exposure to natural settings or even visual imagery of nature

Attribution

¹⁷Schurtz, D. R., Blincoe, S., Smith, R. H., Powell, C. A., Combs, D. J., & Kim, S. H. (2012). Exploring the social aspects of goose bumps and their role in awe and envy. Motivation and Emotion, 36, 205-217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-011-9243-8 

¹⁸Kellert, S.R. (1993). The Biophilia Hypothesis. Island Press.  

¹⁹projectyose. (2013, May 5). Yosemite HD [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6-2fVsFV8E 

²⁰shannon barlow. (2016, October 22). Attention restoration theory [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8hgWLQVeew 

²¹Ulrich, R. S. (1984). View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery. Science 224(4647), 420-421. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.6143402   

²²Mayer, F. S., Frantz, C. M., Bruehlman-Senecal, E., & Dolliver, K. (2009). Why is nature beneficial? The role of connectedness to nature. Environment and behavior, 41(5), 607-643. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916508319745

²³Engemann, K., Pedersen, C. B., Arge, L., Tsirogiannis, C., Mortensen, P. B., & Svenning, J. C. (2019). Residential green space in childhood is associated with lower risk of psychiatric disorders from adolescence into adulthood. Proceedings of the national academy of sciences, 116(11), 5188-5193. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1807504116 

²⁵Capaldi, C. A., Passmore, H. A., Nisbet, E. K., Zelenski, J. M., & Dopko, R. L. (2015). Flourishing in nature: A review of the benefits of connecting with nature and its application as a wellbeing intervention. International Journal of Wellbeing, 5(4). https://doi.org/10.5502/ijw.v5i4.449   

²⁶DavidSuzukiFDN. (2013, Apr 18). 30x30 Nature Challenge.  [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/PPCym8308wQ?si=UQ6mTcIrc1VTFZ9x 

²⁷White, M. P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J., Wheeler, B. W., Hartig, T., Warber, S. L., ... & Fleming, L. E. (2019). Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing. Scientific reports, 9(1), 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3 

²⁸When you need to feel awe about the world again | TED Talks. (n.d.). TED Talks. https://www.ted.com/playlists/570/when_you_need_to_feel_awe_about_the_world_again