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Self-transcendent positive emotions increase spirituality through basic world assumptions.
Patty Van Cappellen1, Vassilis Saroglou, Caroline Iweins
1a Department of Psychology , Université Catholique de Louvain , Louvain-la-Neuve , Belgium.
Cognition & Emotion
|May 14, 2013
Summary
Self-transcendent positive emotions, like awe and admiration, can boost spirituality, particularly in non-religious individuals. This suggests spirituality is not just for coping but also a pathway to positive emotional experiences.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Positive Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- Spirituality is often studied as a response to adversity.
- Existing research primarily focuses on spirituality as a coping mechanism.
- The role of positive emotions in eliciting spirituality is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if self-transcendent positive emotions can trigger spirituality.
- To explore the mediating role of basic world assumptions in this relationship.
- To broaden the understanding of spirituality beyond a coping strategy.
Main Methods:
- Two studies were conducted, inducing self-transcendent positive emotions (elevation, admiration) in participants.
- Control groups experienced neutral or mirthful emotions.
- Spirituality and basic world assumptions were measured.
Main Results:
- Self-transcendent positive emotions significantly increased spirituality in both studies.
- This effect was more pronounced in non-religious participants (Study 1).
- Belief in life's meaningfulness and world benevolence mediated the emotion-spirituality link.
Conclusions:
- Spirituality can be initiated by self-transcendent positive emotions, not solely by adversity.
- This highlights an upward spiral between positive emotions and spirituality.
- Findings suggest spirituality is a dynamic process influenced by positive experiences and worldviews.
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