A Conceptual Clarification of the Experience of Awe: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Abstract

Awe is a concept central in much of humanistic and transpersonal psychology, but it still lacks a consensual scientific meaning. Consequently, this article conceptually clarifies awe for its further use in scientific research and theory, as well as in applications such as psychotherapy. Previous understandings of awe and its changing meaning are discussed in their historical context. Six interviews focused on participants' experiences of and thoughts about awe, contained within Schneider's (2009) book, Awakening to Awe, were explored using interpretative phenomenological analysis. This analysis revealed ten thematic elements of awe, which were then categorized into three conceptual groups. The results are discussed in the context of previous and possible future research on awe, as well their applied implications.

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Notes on contributors

Edward T. Bonner

Edward T. Bonner, M.A., is a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology at Northcentral University. He is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania, where he has a full-time private psychotherapy practice. His areas of academic interest include existential–humanistic–transpersonal and clinical psychology.

Harris L. Friedman

Harris L. Friedman, Ph.D., ABPP is Research Professor (Retired) of Psychology at University of Florida, as well as Professor Emeritus at Saybrook University, and he also supervises dissertations part-time at Northcentral University. He is a diplomate in both clinical and organizational/business consulting psychology, and practices part-time in both areas. He has more than 100 professional publications, most focusing on humanistic-transpersonal psychology and on social justice, and he is Senior Editor of the International Journal of Transpersonal Studies and Associate Editor of The Humanistic Psychologist.