Awe in nature heals: Evidence from military veterans, at-risk youth, and college students.
Level 3 - non-randomized controlled study
Non-randomized observational cohort and longitudinal follow-up design (by design analogy)
PubMed 29927260 · doi:10.1037/emo0000442
What was done
Across two studies, researchers evaluated the role of awe in linking nature experiences to well-being and stress-related symptoms. Study 1 assessed military veterans and youth from underserved communities participating in a whitewater rafting trip, measuring emotional states and well-being/stress symptoms one week later. Study 2 tracked undergraduate college students to examine whether awe mediated the relationship between everyday nature experiences and well-being.
What was found
In Study 1, awe experienced during whitewater rafting predicted improvements in well-being and stress-related symptoms at one-week follow-up beyond the effect of other positive emotions. In Study 2, everyday nature exposure was associated with higher levels of awe, which statistically mediated improvements in well-being. The abstract reports no numerical data, effect sizes, or confidence intervals.
Why it matters
This research identifies awe as a specific emotional mechanism that may explain how both extraordinary and everyday nature exposures support mental health and stress reduction.
Limits
The abstract does not disclose sample sizes, specific outcome measures, statistical test values, or effect sizes. The designs appear observational without randomized control groups, limiting causal inference and leaving open confounding from other aspects of outdoor recreation.
Cited by
- supports Research conducted with the Sierra Club found that taking military veterans outdoors onto rivers elicited awe in nature, aiding their psychological well-being.