Narrative Health: Examining the relationship between the phenomenon of awe and resilience and well-being

Abstract

Research has shown that experiencing awe can support people’s well-being and enhance their resilience. A secondary phenomenological analysis was conducted of data collected from the Awe Project, a 5-day, online resilience program. Based on the existing literature, which demonstrates that reflecting on positive memories can support individuals’ well-being, a practice during the Awe Project prompted participants first to define awe and then to share a personal awe experience. The results indicated that many of the participants’ awe definitions and narratives were consistent with themes relating to previous awe research while new awe-related themes also emerged. Additionally, many of the awe definitions and stories included elements relating to resilience practices such as cognitive reappraisal, connectedness, gratitude, meaning and purpose in life, mindfulness, and self-efficacy. The results indicated that explaining awe and sharing awe narratives can potentially support people’s well-being, and that being exposed to awe narratives may support this as well.

( اتجاهات التعليم العالمية) (Global Education Trends)

“…Using a qualitative analytical strategy, this study will examine the OECD reports from 2008 through 2022 to gain a thorough comprehension of the shifting tendencies shaping education. Qualitative analysis is ideally suited when doing research into a phenomenon with multiple layers and facets, such as the interaction between different educational trends and their consequences throughout time (Thompson, 2023). Thus, an indepth exploration of the discovered trends' complexity, context, and significance will be possible thanks to this methodology.…”

NASA resilience and leadership: examining the phenomenon of awe

“…Elaborating on this point, Charon (2001) explains that in order to support others in a medical and mental health role, the professional must look inward. Thompson recently explored this idea specifically in relation to awe narratives and mindfulness, suggesting that both sharing an awe story and being the recipient of that story can support a person's resilience and overall wellbeing (Thompson, 2022d(Thompson, , 2023b). Launer's (2002) seven underpinnings to narrative medicine further establish how the narrative medicine approach complements other methodologies and the specific design and intention of this study.…”

Police well-being interventions: Using awe narratives to promote resilience

“…This concept of awe narratives is part of a broader approach of supporting people's well-being. It is described as narrative health (Thompson, 2023a;2023b), which is adapted from narrative medicine. Narrative medicine is a model to engage in an effective and humane medical practice (Charon, 2001).…”

“…someone or something extraordinary that challenges people's current thinking and perspectives (Stellar, 2021;Thompson, 2023a;2023b;2023c). When awe is viewed as a positive experience, it can be described as a gateway to other positive emotions as well as resilience practices (Thompson, 2023a). Positive emotions can include joy, happiness, contentment, and calmness.…”

“…Positive emotions can include joy, happiness, contentment, and calmness. With respect to other resilience practices, awe has been connected to many, including (and for the scope of this paper) cognitive reappraisal, emotional intelligence, gratitude, humility, meaning and purpose in life, mindfulness, optimism and hope, self-compassion, self-efficacy, social connectedness, and (managing) uncertainty and ambiguity (for example, see Thompson et al, 2022;Thompson, 2023a).…”