Research suggests that experiences of awe can significantly diminish negative self-focused emotions like shame and guilt. Awe is defined as a feeling of vastness or overwhelming greatness, often triggered by encountering something much larger than oneself, such as the cosmos or profound natural landscapes. When individuals experience awe, they shift their focus from internal concerns to external stimuli, which facilitates a reduction in self-referential processing.
This psychological shift occurs because awe promotes a sense of smallness and interconnectedness with the broader world. By focusing on something larger than themselves, people may feel less preoccupied with personal flaws or social anxieties. Studies indicate that this process can lead to improved well-being and reduced symptoms of depression by lessening the intensity of self-critical thoughts. For more information regarding psychological research on awe, you can visit the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley website.
