People often feel a sense of awe when witnessing something extraordinary. Awe occurs when individuals encounter something remarkable that makes them feel small in a vast world.
In a research article published in Frontiers for Young Minds, researchers explored whether experiencing awe could promote prosociality — the tendency to act in ways that benefit others, such as showing kindness, sharing, and helping — among children.
Using two experiments, researchers showed kids different video clips. One that made them feel awe, one that made them happy, and one that didn’t make them feel much at all. Then, they tested how helpful the kids were.
The children could then count food items for refugees or donate a special gift, like a museum ticket or a chocolate treat, to refugee families.
The results were fascinating. Children who watched the awe-inspiring video showed the most generosity. They counted more food items and were more willing to share their gifts.
Understanding the Research
In the first experiment, researchers wanted to determine whether awe could make children more prosocial. So, they conducted an online study with 159 children aged 8–13, and divided them into three groups.
One group watched an awe-inspiring scene from Song of the Sea, another watched a happy scene from Fantasia, and the third watched a neutral video of someone painting a wall. The children then participated in two prosociality tasks.
In the first task, they counted food items to help with a refugee food drive, with the option to count as many or as few as they wanted. In the second, they received a ticket to a children’s museum and had the opportunity to donate it to a refugee family.
These were the results of experiment 1:
Those who watched the awe-inspiring video counted at least 50% more food items than children in the happy or neutral groups.
They were also twice as likely to donate their museum tickets to refugee families.
Children who watched the happy video showed moderate prosocial behavior.
Children who watched the neutral video were the least likely to help.
To confirm their findings and explore how awe affects the body, the researchers conducted a second experiment at the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. This time, 384 children participated in person.
However, instead of a museum ticket, the second task involved donating a favorite chocolate snack. Researchers also measured changes in respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), which reflects heart rate and breathing.
These were the results of experiment 2:
Unlike the first experiment, awe did not lead to more food counting.
It’s possible that the distracting museum environment may have affected the results.
Children who watched the awe-inspiring video were still more likely to donate their snack than those in the other groups.
Children in the awe group showed an increase in RSA. This meant that awe made them feel more relaxed and connected to others.
Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers
As parents and caregivers, we can help create awe-inspiring experiences so that our kids can develop a stronger connection to the world around them! Here are three tips:
Tell them inspiring stories
Stories have the power to transport children into different worlds. You can use books, movies, or real-life tales to share narratives about kindness and courage.
You can also create their own awe-inspiring stories. For example, imagine telling a bedtime story about a child who befriends a bird that teaches them the importance of helping those in need.
Afterward, ask your child how they would act if they were in the character’s shoes to encourage deeper reflection.
Allow creative expression
Creativity is a wonderful way for children to experience awe firsthand. When they paint a breathtaking landscape, compose a song, or build an imaginative world with toys, they tap into their sense of wonder!
You can also create “awe challenges” at home. For example, ask your child to draw something that makes them feel small yet inspired, such as a towering mountain or the vastness of space.
Model gratitude and generosity
Simple acts, like thanking the cashier at the grocery store or leaving a kind note for a friend, show kids how to appreciate others and give back in small but meaningful ways.
A fun family tradition could be creating a “gratitude jar.” Each week, everyone writes down one thing they’re grateful for and places it in the jar. At the end of the month, read the notes together and reflect on the good things in life.
Provide opportunities for giving
Look for opportunities where they can contribute in ways that feel meaningful to them.
If your child loves animals, they will likely enjoy donating pet food to a local shelter or making blankets for rescue animals. If they love baking, they can help prepare treats for a community bake sale that raises funds for a cause.
The authors are saying that awe is all around us and can inspire kindness and a sense of connection to the world!
