Wonder-Full Hearts: Awe Turns Children into Caring Champions

Abstract

Have you ever exclaimed “Wow!” when looking at the stars, fireworks, or rainbows? This is the magical feeling of awe. Awe makes us feel small in a big world full of mysteries. Awe makes us focus on things other than just ourselves. Could awe make children more caring and helpful to other people? We tested this idea in two experiments. We showed children movie clips that made them feel awe, happiness, or nothing special. We found that children who felt awe became more helpful and caring. They counted more food items for a food drive for refugees and were also more likely to give away their chocolate treats or museum tickets to refugees. They even had a special change in their heart rates and breathing patterns. This bodily change made them feel more relaxed and connected to others. Awe is an amazing force because it makes kids kinder!