Research Hit: Science is a Spiritual Experience for Some - and Boosts Wellbeing

How awe experiences in science boost wellbeing and engagement with science

I thought science was the opposite to spirituality?

Yes, some people do believe that. We do consider science to be the opposite of spirituality but the point here is that science can also be awe inspiring and that is the link to spirituality.

Awe inspiring - I like that idea.

Yes, and this is what Jesse Preston and Colleagues of the University of Warwick in the UK investigated. Specifically the attitude towards religious beliefs, spirituality, and science and moreover how this impacts wellbeing and engagement with science.

Fascinating! Tell me more

Well, Preston et al. conducted three studies with a total of 1197 people. First off they discovered a category of science believer who could be classed as high in spirituality of science and though this related to interest in, and belief in science, a key facet is that of feelings of awe that science promotes. This in turn is also related to general feelings of spirituality.

So scientists aren’t the hard-nosed cold analytical types that are often portrayed in movies?