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Awe Influences Prosocial Behavior and Subjective Well-Being Through the Quiet Ego

Author

Listed:
  • Jiali Zhang

    (Guangxi Normal University)

  • Baorui Chang

    (Guangxi Normal University)

  • Jiandong Fang

    (Guangxi Normal University)

Abstract

Awe has been proposed to promote prosocial behavior (PSB) through the quiet ego. However, this view lacks empirical research support. The present study verified and expanded this view through longitudinal and experimental studies. In Study 1, we induced state awe through video clips and provided experimental support for the mediating role of the quiet ego in the link between awe and PSB and SWB. In addition, Study 2 included a measure of the small self, a traditional mediating variable in awe research, and did not find that the small self mediates the effect of awe on PSB and SWB. In Study 2, we conducted three follow-up surveys of 788 junior high school students at intervals of six and three months and verified the mediating role of the quiet ego in the link between awe and PSB and subjective well-being (SWB) at the trait level. These findings offer preliminary support for a new theoretical framework for comprehending the positive effects of awe and enrich research exploring the antecedent variables of the quiet ego.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiali Zhang & Baorui Chang & Jiandong Fang, 2025. "Awe Influences Prosocial Behavior and Subjective Well-Being Through the Quiet Ego," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 26(1), pages 1-22, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jhappi:v:26:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s10902-024-00834-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s10902-024-00834-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Guanyu Liu & Linda M. Isbell & Michael J. Constantino & Bernhard Leidner, 2022. "Quiet Ego Intervention Enhances Flourishing by Increasing Quiet Ego Characteristics and Trait Emotional Intelligence: A Randomized Experiment," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(7), pages 3605-3623, October.
    2. Ann Futterman Collier & Heidi A. Wayment, 2018. "Psychological Benefits of the “Maker” or Do-It-Yourself Movement in Young Adults: A Pathway Towards Subjective Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(4), pages 1217-1239, April.
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    4. Heidi A. Wayment & Jack J. Bauer, 2018. "The Quiet Ego: Motives for Self-Other Balance and Growth in Relation to Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 881-896, March.
    5. Rudd, Melanie & Vohs, Kathleen D. & Aaker, Jennifer, 2012. "Awe Expands People's Perception of Time, Alters Decision Making, and Enhances Well-Being," Research Papers 2095, Stanford University, Graduate School of Business.
    6. Guanyu Liu & Linda M. Isbell & Bernhard Leidner, 2022. "How Does the Quiet Ego Relate to Happiness? A Path Model Investigation of the Relations Between the Quiet Ego, Self-Concept Clarity, and Well-Being," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 23(3), pages 1007-1020, March.
    7. Heidi Wayment & Jack Bauer & Kateryna Sylaska, 2015. "The Quiet Ego Scale: Measuring the Compassionate Self-Identity," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 16(4), pages 999-1033, August.
    8. Ying Li & Xuan Wu & Yu-Jie Chu & Ya-Jun Guo, 2022. "The Impact of Transformative Tourism Experiences on Prosocial Behaviors of College Students: Multiple Chain Mediating Effects of Dispositional Awe and Social Connectedness," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-16, October.
    9. Ya-Nan Fu & Ruodan Feng & Qun Liu & Yumei He & Ofir Turel & Shuyue Zhang & Qinghua He, 2022. "Awe and Prosocial Behavior: The Mediating Role of Presence of Meaning in Life and the Moderating Role of Perceived Social Support," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(11), pages 1-13, May.
    10. Ross Gilbert, Jonathan & Krush, Michael T. & Trainor, Kevin J. & Wayment, Heidi A., 2022. "The (quiet) ego and sales: Transcending self-interest and its relationship with adaptive selling," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 150(C), pages 326-338.
    11. Guanyu Liu & Linda M. Isbell & Bernhard Leidner, 2021. "Quiet Ego and Subjective Well-Being: The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Mindfulness," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 22(6), pages 2599-2619, August.
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