Awe reduces depressive symptoms and improves well-being in a randomized-controlled clinical trial.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized controlled trial
PubMed 40355653 · doi:10.1038/s41598-025-96555-w
What was done
A randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated a synchronous online awe intervention compared to a control group in US adults meeting criteria for long COVID (conducted in April 2023). Assessed psychological outcomes included stress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and well-being.
What was found
Compared to controls (n = 38), the awe intervention group (n = 30) showed statistically significant reductions in stress and depressive symptoms, along with increased well-being, with effect sizes ranging from d = 0.78 to 0.96. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in anxiety symptoms.
Why it matters
This study provides preliminary randomized evidence that brief, remote awe-based interventions may improve depressive symptoms and well-being in clinical populations facing chronic stress and physical symptoms.
Limits
The total sample size was small (n = 68). The abstract does not specify the nature of the control condition (e.g., active versus waitlist), the duration or dose of the intervention, baseline symptom severity, or long-term durability of the effects.
Cited by
- partial Engaging in just one minute of awe per day reduces long COVID symptoms.
- partial Practicing one minute of awe per day reduces symptoms in individuals with long COVID.