Neurophenomenology: an integrated approach to exploring awe and wonder¹

Abstract

Astronauts often report experiences of awe and wonder while traveling in space. This paper addresses the question of whether awe and wonder can be scientifically investigated in a simulated space travel scenario using a neurophenomenological method. To answer this question, we created a mixed-reality simulation similar to the environment of the International Space Station. Portals opened to display simulations of Earth or Deep Space. However, the challenge still remained of how to best capture the resulting experience of participants. We could use psychological methods, neuroscientific methods or philosophical methods. Each of these approaches offer many benefits, but each is also limited. Neurophenomenology capitalises on and integrates all three methods. We employed questionnaires from psychology, electroencephalography, electrocardiography, and functional near-infrared spectroscopy from neuroscience, and a phenomenological interview technique from philosophy. This neurophenomenological method enabled extensive insight in experiencers and non-experiencers of awe and wonder (AW) in a simulated space scenario that otherwise would not have been possible. Traditional empirical analyses were completed, followed by individual differences analyses using interview transcriptions paired with physiological responses. Experiencers of AW showed differences in theta and beta activity throughout the brain compared to non-experiencers. Questionnaires indicated that non-experiencers of AW gave more positive responses of religious and spiritual practices than experiencers of AW. Interviews showed that awe and wonder were more likely to occur when watching the simulated Earth view instead of the Deep Space view. Our study is a successful example of neurophenomenology, a powerful and promising interdisciplinary approach for future studies of complex states of experience. BackgroundHouston, we are ready for launch. Ten, nine, eight, seven, six, five, four, three, two, one. Lift-off! Reading this sequence brings to mind a variety of feelings or experiences. However, research

The Potential of Virtual Reality for the Investigation of Awe

“…A first attempt to use virtual simulation to elicit awe was made by Reinerman-Jones et al (2013). These authors analyzed participants’ experiences of viewing the earth from a deep space perspective – the so called the “Overview Effect” (White, 1987; Yaden et al, 2016) – using a qualitative analysis.…”

“…Reinerman-Jones et al (2013) used a mixed reality simulation as a new tool to investigate the phenomenological emergent features of awe experience. Indeed, they were also able to grasp an element of surprise, closer to the need for accommodation component of awe as well as a negatively valenced awe experience by creating a highly ecological experience of awe (Gallagher, 2013).…”

‘Standing in Awe’: The Effects of Awe on Body Perception and the Relation with Absorption

“…For instance, it has been found that participants who recalled an experience of awe reported feeling smaller relative to the environment, as measured through self-report questionnaires [7]. People who watched the Earth from space by using a virtual reality (VR) simulation reported feelings of awe and feeling small and insignificant in the face of the vast and incomprehensible universe [19,20]. In addition, in a recent study experimentally induced feelings of awe resulted in higher ratings on the "small-self-scale," consisting of items like 'I feel small or insignificant' and 'I feel the presence of something greater than myself' [8].…”

The neural correlates of the awe experience: Reduced default mode network activity during feelings of awe

“…Awe and perceived vastness may also cause a reduced focus on and awareness of one's self (Piff et al, 2015;van Elk et al, 2016;Zhang, Piff, et al, 2014). Several studies have reported that perceptually vast and awe-eliciting stimuli can induce the feeling of a "small self", characterized by a reduced focus on the self and its related concerns (Bockelman, Reinerman-Jones, & Gallagher, 2013;Campos, Shiota, Keltner, Gonzaga, & Goetz, 2013;Piff et al, 2015;Reinerman-Jones et al, 2013;van Elk et al, 2016). The notion that awe induces changes in the perception of the self is also supported by studies on the effects of natural environments (for review, see : Bratman, Hamilton, & Daily, 2012).…”