Awe predicts well-being via positive attention bias: Evidence from longitudinal and daily diary studies

Abstract

Awe is a mixed emotion that is considered important in the protection of well-being during crisis, such as COVID-19. However, there is limited understanding of the long-term and dynamic effects of awe on well-being and the pathways behind these effects. Drawing on the broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions and the theory of mood-congruent bias, the present study utilized longitudinal and daily diary approaches to investigate the relationship between awe and well-being, as well as the mediating role of attention bias. In longitudinal Study 1, 524 participants (N_female = 365, 69.7%), aged from 18 to 72, completed online surveys three times with 1-month intervals. Cross-lagged analyses demonstrated that awe exerted a significant predictive effect on individuals' well-being. Moreover, positive attention bias served as a mediator in this relationship. In diary Study 2, 183 college students (N_female = 126, 68.85%) completed surveys for 14 consecutive days. The results of Hierarchical Linear Modeling and Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling showed that awe positively predicted individuals' well-being, and positive attention bias mediated this relationship. Taken together, these findings not only deepen our comprehension of the underlying connections between awe and well-being but also offer valuable theoretical insights for developing awe-based intervention measures aimed at improving positive attention bias and well-being.