Complex effects of awe on meaning in life and true self-knowledge

In two studies, we experimentally induced awe to 1) replicate the statistically-opposing indirect effects of awe via self-diminishment and happiness on meaning in life, and 2) assess if awe has similarly complex relationships with the existential perception of true self-knowledge. Across studies, awe elicited greater self-diminishment, which negatively predicted both outcomes. In Study 1 (N = 351), awe did not have a significant indirect effect via happiness on either outcome, contrary to predictions. However, these positive indirect effects were found in Study 2 (N = 483). This suggests awe may give rise to opposing perceptual processes which shape both one’s perceived meaning in life and the sense one knows who they truly are.