| dc.description.abstract | While efforts have been made to define the nature and effects of experiencing awe (e.g., Keltner & Haidt, 2003; Shiota, Keltner, & Mossman, 2007), there is still much about the emotion which remains unexplored. One of the biggest challenges in studying awe is that, by virtue of being a reaction to the sublime, it is a difficult emotion to create. This research presents and validates a standard awe elicitor, as well as using that elicitor to examine the characteristics and outcomes of an awe experience. Study 1 presented seven different emotional slideshows to participants (3 awe, 2 calm, and 2 excitement) who were asked to evaluate the emotional qualities of each slideshow. Analyses revealed that while the slideshows elicited the intended emotions, there was a significant amount of overlap in emotion created by each slideshow, particularly awe. Study 2 presented four emotional slideshows (2 awe, 1 calm, and 1 excitement) which were revised from participant feedback in Study 1. Participants were again asked to rate the emotional qualities of each slideshow and also completed measures of unethical decision making. Analyses revealed that the slideshows created the intended emotions, this time with little overlap. However, there were no differences on the measures of unethical decision making between conditions. Deeper analyses of emotional ratings provided evidence to support the idea that awe is primarily perceived as a positive emotion, but there was no consensus about whether awe is a high or low-arousal emotion. Limitations and future directions for this research are discussed. | en_US |
