Physiological responses to the overview effect: a virtual reality study on awe
H. Anna T. van Limpt-broers, Marie Postma, Max M. Louwerse
Behaviour and Information Technology April 1, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/0144929x.2026.2651109 via OpenAlex
Summary
Experiencing awe, particularly the overview effect of seeing Earth from space, triggers measurable physiological changes. In a virtual reality simulation of space travel, participants showed significant shifts in heart rate and heart rate variability, along with peaks in skin conductance, during the overview effect. These bodily responses accompanied positive learning gains. The findings link the complex emotion of awe to specific autonomic nervous system activity, offering insights into how profound, self-transcendent experiences affect the body and mind.
Study at a glance
| Design | experimental study |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Induction of the overview effect and awe via virtual reality was associated with positive learning gains and significant changes in heart rate, heart rate variability, and skin conductance responses. |
Abstract
Little is known about the physiological responses to the overview effect and, more generally, the emotion of awe, complex epistemic and self-transcendent emotions that combine wonder, reverence and fear. In the current study, measurements of heart activity, skin conductance, and respiration, reflecting emotional arousal and valence, were analysed in combination with questionnaire data to determine their psychophysiological effects. The emotion was induced using a virtual reality simulation of space travel that included an emulation of the overview effect: viewing Earth from space. Results demonstrated that the successful induction of the overview effect and awe was associated with positive learning gains and significant changes in heart rate and heart rate variability. In addition, peaks in skin conductance responses were observed during the overview effect, eliciting epochs within the simulation.