A meta-analysis examining the relationship between awe and prosocial behavior

• Published in: Current psychology (New Brunswick, N.J.) N.J.), 2024-08, Vol.43 (29), p.24702-24711
• Main Authors: Li, Ruyong, Hou, Zhe, Zhang, Chao, Xu, Qian, Nie, Aiqing
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Age differences; Behavior; Behavioral Science and Psychology; College students; Colleges & universities; Emotions; Meta-analysis; Psychology; Researchers; Social Sciences
• ISSN: 1046-1310; 1936-4733
• DOI: 10.1007/s12144-024-06039-9

The influence of awe on prosocial behavior has inconsistent results. A meta-analysis examined the relationship between awe and prosocial behavior and its moderating factors. A total of 38 articles were found, and 57 independent effect sizes were included in the analysis ( N  = 20,997). The study revealed that dispositional and state awe moderately positively correlated with prosocial behavior. Additionally, age and cultural background moderated the relationship between dispositional awe and prosocial behavior. Adolescents who have a predisposition for experiencing awe are more likely to exhibit prosocial behavior. Moreover, those with dispositional awe within a collectivistic cultural background are also more inclined to engage in prosocial behavior than individuals with an individualistic cultural background. The results of the meta-analysis clarified the relationship between awe and prosocial behavior and enriched the theory of positive emotion expansion and construction. It provided a basis for subsequent research on the positive consequences of awe.