Researchers recently conducted the first randomized controlled trial focused on awe and mental health.

Results showed that participants practicing awe reported greater well-being and lower distress.

The findings hint at why nature, art, and spiritual practices can support mental health.

Awe doesn't always require the extraordinary — paying attention during ordinary life may be enough.

During the past two decades, a new science of awe emerged. Based on this research, some interpret awe as a powerful aid for many facets of human flourishing.

But it wasn't until recently that researchers used a randomized controlled trial (RCT) – the same study design often used to evaluate new medical treatments – to investigate whether awe can improve mental health. Because participants meeting specific criteria are randomly assigned to different conditions, RCTs provide stronger evidence about what helps most.

In this 2025 study, researchers worked with individuals living with long COVID, a population at increased risk for mental health struggles. Participants were randomly assigned either to begin an awe intervention immediately or to wait four weeks before starting. Everyone consented to this........

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