"Awe-scillations": EEG spectral and complexity representations of awe

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Human Physiology

Background:

• Awe is a positive emotion associated with vastness and unity, impacting well-being and social behavior.
• The specific neural mechanisms underlying the experience of awe are not well understood.
• Understanding awe's neurophysiology can illuminate its psychological benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the neural underpinnings of the emotion of awe.
• To examine the relationship between subjective awe experiences and physiological measures.
• To explore the specificity of neurophysiological changes associated with awe.

Main Methods:

• Electroencephalography (EEG) and autonomic physiology were recorded in 23 healthy older adults.
• Participants watched a nature-based film, "The Nature Journey", to induce awe.
• Subjective ratings of awe and joy were collected alongside physiological data.

Main Results:

• Awe induction was associated with decreased alpha and theta spectral power in EEG.
• Increased Lempel Ziv complexity (LZC), indicating higher neural signal entropy, was observed during awe.
• Awe-related increases in LZC correlated with reduced sympathetic nervous system activity and higher self-reported awe intensity.

Conclusions:

• Awe is associated with distinct neurophysiological states characterized by altered brain signal complexity and autonomic responses.
• The findings suggest that awe involves heightened information processing and a shift in autonomic balance.
• These neurophysiological changes are linked to the subjective intensity of the awe experience.